09.20.11
I made a promise to myself one day, back when there was a plum-sized baby growing in my body. Back when I’d regularly crawl into a ball and contemplate the fairness of the universe.
I’ll never give up on my ambitions.
I’ll still succeed, no matter the obstacles. No matter the whens and the hows.
Of course my dreams, my goals, have been redefined and refocused, but I still live by that promise every day. And as silly as it sounds, that promise has made all the difference.
Even if you feel stuck, trapped, know that now isn’t forever. Babies grow up. Life changes. Opportunities pop up that you never knew existed. So make goals and work toward them in any possible way — even in baby steps. Even if those steps feel like crawls some days. Even though you can’t see the bigger picture.
Because at the end of the day, it’s up to you to make your life happen. And you can make it happen, no matter what they say.
Be patient. Be persistent. And realize that sometimes it takes having a baby to realize which goals are worth chasing.
5 Comments to For All the Young Dreamers
Amy
September 20, 2011 at 8:52 pm
I agree with this so much. Having a baby actually opened the door to a work opportunity I wanted back when I left school but wasn’t able to pursue. If I hadn’t have kids, I would have never gone part-time, would have never gotten involved in this group, and would have never gotten the job that I love now.
Amber
September 21, 2011 at 10:42 am
I feel like you’re speaking directly to me today, Michelle.
Thanks for the reminder this A.M.
Jenna
September 21, 2011 at 12:20 pm
i have to say, i only know you through this blog but i think your amazing! everytime i read i feel encouraged and a little less alone with my feelings!! I got pregnant for the first time at 22 (planned) and with the career path i chose ( cosmetologist) i would barely make enough to cover daycare, and i had always told myself it would be cool to be a stay at home mom like my mom eventually did (though she did not become stay at home until i was 7)! so thats what we did and don’t get me wrong i have loved every second with my babies!! but its HARD!!! we have a large house that i feel consumed by everyday when it comes to cleaning & keeping up with things and lets say our 2 wonderful kids can be very fussy!!! starting at 1 yr they both started part time daycare to get socialized and give me a break but my break have been full of cleaning, shopping, laundry…the list goes on so i don’t really call it a true break! recently i was called by someone i working with at my first job doing hair who was opening a new salon and NEEDED someone who could do nails, i was honered she thought of me & it could not at come at a more perfect time! i was overwhelmed, frustrated & becoming unhappy with my daily routine & getting back to work was the best thing i could have done! i am not a part time working mom & love it! i am a better mom, wife, and person because of it! & have to that your blog alittle because every time i have read how you still have accomplished so much i would think “i should be doing more, there has to be more then running the vacuum & cleaning up after my family!” Thanks! – sorry that got away from me, didn’t mean to write so much!
michellehorton
September 21, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Thank you so much, Jenna. That made my morning.
I’m so, so glad you find some inspiration here.
Jessica
September 29, 2011 at 3:25 pm
thank you so much for this. i had my first at 22 (unplanned) and sometimes, like today, i feel so overwhelmed by being a stay at home mom. Sometimes i need a reminder that my dreams are just as important as the dreams my kids will one day reach for. thank you so much for creating this blog. i don’t know any young mother (in person) and it’s very reassuring to know i’m not alone.