I was lost.  I mean, "Oh no, I missed my exit three states ago" lost.  I fumbled through the archives of my brain seeking the moment I had misplaced the road map in an attempt to pick back up where I left off.  However, this was not to be.  I found myself crammed in the middle of a traffic jam on the highway of life.

I have always had the drive to accomplish my most intimidating goals.  Even as a mother, I still embody this trait.  However, I had not foreseen how my goals would shift once my babies arrived.  As I frantically fought my way down the highway of life with every other individual jammed in the traffic to success, I did not see that my exit was coming up. 

You may wonder what on earth I was doing.  As an individual who wanted to have a family, I could hardly bare the anticipation of starting one.  However, I ignored the reality that once your children are born, your priorities change.  I believe all parents get a taste of this when a baby arrives.  It's no longer about us.  Your children are your world.

I had these beautiful babies that I could not bear to leave in a daycare all day.  They are my children.  I wanted to experience every milestone, every laugh, cry and booger.  So, I turned all my life goals upside down to be with them.  I ditched medical school as it required me to be in a hospital more than I would see my children and  instead, I found an adequate job that allowed me to stay at home with them.

I never missed a moment and it was glorious!  However, seeing that I had given up a career I truly enjoyed for one less invigorating became a struggle.  As the years went by, I would scroll the pages of my old University wondering whether I should return part time and complete what I started. 

Envisioning my medical career was easy.  The process and TIME needed to complete it was a different story.  Had I continued my education, the time I would have for children would be next to none.  This was not a position I wanted to be in.  True - the money for that career path would be substantially rewarding.  But no amount of money can make up for the time with my children.  Those are moments I will never get back and are priceless.

So I made the decision to let it go.  I let go of my aspirations to complete my medical career so that I had time to spend with my beautiful babies.  This decision was bitter sweet.  As I abandoned the career path I once truly longed for I continued to seek a way to be successful doing something I love.  Prospects dwindled as my work experience reflected a medical background and I became despondent. 

What did I want to do with my life?! 

Then, one day.  An Ah-ha moment slapped me across the face.  What do I love more than anything?  What did I want to do for the rest of my life that would fulfill my need for success?  It was so simple. 

I was a mom, I love being a mom -- and what better way than to truly feed my passion and enliven my life than spread mom love? Sharing knowledge based on this wild ride we call Motherhood is a passion of mine.   It was then that I had the courage to become a Mompreneur. 

There is such a stigma when the term entrepreneur arises in casual conversation.  I won't lie. I was one of those individuals who believed this term was representative of a devious salesman or a freeloader.   I had not seen that this idea of branching out and taking the leap into a world of unknown was truly for the determined, driven and tenacious. 

If you are going to make it as an entrepreneur, you must have the skills, confidence and will to succeed.  Without these components, it's all for not.  Coming to this conclusion was intimidating.  You're putting yourself out there in hopes to make it or break it. 

The more research I did, the more empowered I felt that this was the right decision for me.  I had the courage to become a successful Mompreneur among the community of other strong, unyielding Mom Entrepreneurs of the world.   I ignored the concerned sighs, disapproving glances and dissuading opinions of those around me and went for it. 

Starting my web site was a huge leap - it was terrifying, and exhilarating.  Although I had no idea what I was doing, I accepted the risk and just dove in.  Seizing the moment and finally having the courage to take on this adventure and become a Mompreneur.  In a career path that encompasses topics that I am eager to dive into, I find myself only longing for more knowledge to further develop my business. 

My motto is, "Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward."  With that in mind, I see every mistake and mishap as a lesson.  We are parents, not perfectionists.  There are days when I realize I have not brushed my teeth all day, for I have been immersed in the métier of motherhood.   You know what? I'm totally OK with that.  

I have high hopes for what lies ahead.  I am ecstatic to have had the opportunity to meet such inspiring mothers and individuals in this line of work and look forward to acquainting others. 

For those of you parenting pioneers that have a light inside you want to shine through, my advice is this.  Don’t hold back.  If you discover something you are truly passionate about, seize it.  Do everything in your power to make your light shine. Continuously seek knowledge and insight.  There is so much to learn every day. 

It's crazy hard work. But, I love every bit of it and you will too.

Essay by: Dani Adams-Barry

You can connect with Dani on Facebook, Instagram or at Dani Adams Barry Photography

Hi friend!

I'm Catia, a woman, wife, mama, sister, sister friend, you know -- I wear a million hats just like you.

One of my biggest whys is that I want people to feel good about ALL of who they are. Including you.

The threads running through all my work (I’m an author - The Courage to Become, I’m a motivational speaker - TEDx, Choose Joy or Die , I am a private coach ) are hope, joy and empowerment.

If I could choose ten words that best describe me I would say: honest, welcoming, giving, curious, loving, earnest, empathetic, spiritual, playful, and sassy. Let's add: adventurous. That's 11.

Nice to meet you!

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