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When we’re young we all have dreams of what we can accomplish in life.  Having a dream is easy.  Making it come true is hard.  As a child growing up, I like many others had a dream.  Going to a good school and obtaining a college degree was the only way to fulfill long term goals and to make money.  So I thought.  Follow your dreams.  Follow your passion. They say.  So I did.  

A few degrees later and more than 10 years of experience in my profession as a Scientist, I established a career that I became very passionate about.  One of my long term goals early on as a student was to one day work at the CDC.  Working in Public Health was (still is) a passion of mine.  I loved the idea of solving problems, identifying solutions, and helping others.  Not only being intrigued by infectious diseases and outbreaks, I felt it was a good way to contribute and give back to the community by working in public service. 

Employed as a government contractor, I joined thousands of other colleagues in the quest of Saving Lives and Protecting People 24/7. Throughout my tenure of working as a scientist, I’ve dealt with multiple government shutdowns and more recently the loss of my contract due to lack of government funding while on maternity leave.  I felt compelled to share my story because I felt that someone else could relate or it just may inspire someone else.

After spending years chasing my dreams and establishing myself as a career driven woman, I shifted my focus to concentrate more on my personal life.  Fast forward to present day. I’m a wife and first time mom to an adorable baby girl.  With all of the anxiety and excitement that comes along with these roles, my life literally changed forever.  It is said that motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever love.  I have to say I completely agree 100%.  In fact, it was the birth of my daughter that kicked off this whole “I want to do something greater, have a bigger impact, while building my brand and leaving a legacy” side of me.

I have always been the type of girl that likes to strategically plan out everything that I want to see manifest in my life.  Now for the most part, it does happen. However, not always in my timing.

Self-Disclosure: I initially thought I would return to work after my 12 weeks of maternity leave.  At least I thought so.  This mama was ready to get back to business.  But life had a way of slowing me down and keeping me ‘still’ at home just a little while longer….and longer than I expected. The loss of my contract and becoming unemployed after having a baby was totally unexpected and I was completely caught off guard.  Truth is I didn’t know what to do in that moment.  I was inundated with soooo many questions such as….”How much time are you taking off?” Or “When are you going back to work?”  My response was very generic but in my mind, all I could think about was how am I going to care for my brand new baby and still live comfortably?  Of course my husband was still working full time and providing for us (so thankful for him); however I am a millennial woman and most millennial women now a days are described as “Miss Independent” and like to make their own money.  

Talk about a life lesson.  I think God knew exactly what he was doing.  Want to know another self disclosure?  While out on maternity leave and being unemployed, I did what any other normal person would do…..I began applying for jobs.  Applying for jobs became my full-time job.  How many of you can relate to that?  The job market at the time was slow to hiring but I managed to have gotten a few interviews in the process.  Out of all the interviews I had gotten, I did NOT receive one call back.  But I did not let that stop nor discourage me from pushing forward.  Almost a year later, I was finally able to go back to work full-time at the CDC. 

From this experience I gained the time and mental space needed to collect and gather my inner thoughts and figure out what my next moves were.  Furthermore, it allowed me the time I so desired and needed to nurture my baby and embrace this new hat that I’m wearing as a mommy and I’m so thankful for it. With that, I was allowed to press the reset button and honestly, it has been the most humbling and transformational experience for me.  Not only was I able to stay at home for a while longer with my daughter, but I also had a chance to rediscover myself.  Who was I?  What was my purpose? In that moment, I knew I needed to identify with the new person I had become.

Having said that, I’ve spent the last few months brainstorming, networking, and educating myself on what’s next.  So I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business.   Now who doesn’t love a girl boss?  Shout out to all of my girl bosses out there making moves, inspiring others, and empowering other women.  I put my head down and got straight to work.  I learned the skills I needed to grow.  Now of course I am still working as a scientist.  But what gets me is that I know there are other women out there in this world who have dreams and GOALS…..but there are some who just don’t know how to reach them.  That’s why I’m writing this post today.

# GIRL BOSS

I have been established in my career for some time and have been extremely successful with it.  I have always had the passion to mentor others who are just as passionate about fulfilling their goals and dreams. What I have learned throughout this experience is that life will definitely throw you some curve balls but it is up to us to take that curve ball and make it a grand slam. Sometimes in life we have to shift our priorities and focus on what’s important at hand.  I had to remind myself that its ok to be still.

Life’s lesson….Don’t ever give up on your dreams. When one door closes, several more will open.  Now I don’t want you to think that I have it all figured out because I don’t.  Just like you and everyone else, I’m still learning. And learning A LOT.  The greatest and hardest part about sharing my story is that isn’t quite over yet because it is still being written.  I have learned so much in life. Still learning actually.  I’m hoping you will join me for the ride and I pray you find some encouragement and inspiration from my posts.  As I return to the workforce, I am beyond excited to embark upon this new journey not only as a career woman but as a working mom, and now a GIRL BOSS.  I share in the hope that something I’ve learned along the way may help you on your path and journey.

Xo!!!

 Motivational Tip:  The best way to predict your future is to create it.