Some days are beyond overwhelming. The possibilities are endless – the options as vast as the sea. Where do you begin? And most importantly, what’s right for you?
I don’t know that I have ever had to trust my instincts more when making decisions and be more goal oriented while simultaneously surrendering to the process.
No one told me that I had just jumped on the craziest [never-ending] roller coaster of my life! For those of us who willingly choose to get on roller coasters, we obviously enjoy the thrill of them. That heart pounding moment hearing the slow motion “tick tick tick” as you’re nearing the top, only to plunge down and feel like your heart is coming out the other end of you. We’re basically crazy for finding that enjoyable, but we do!
Starting a business is really no different.
I was beyond blessed to be accepted into the Incubator program with Thrive. It’s a program that is designed for individuals who have an idea, concept or newly started business that they intend to have a positive social impact on their community through.
Walking into that program I was way up in the clouds, imagining that by the end of this 12-week program I would have a road map (business plan) fully laid out to get me to achieving my life-long dream!
The amount of anxiety and overwhelming stress that began to blanket over me and weigh on my mind became so intolerable that I nearly dropped out of the program. Thankfully, I had a wonderful business coach who helped me identify the “pivot” that needed to happen, and our gracious facilitator also came on board and supported my change of focus.
You see, I was trying to create a plan for a massive dream that I didn’t yet have the faith for. I was just trying to learn how to survive on my own – not “feed the masses” yet!
It took a lot of courage to stand and be transparent with my coach and the facilitator, but the rewards were priceless. I even chose to share my re-focus with my peers. I actually believe that I was in that program for a very different reason than the intended, tangible outcome was.
I have struggled through more insecurity, doubt, tears and feelings of failure than I ever have before. But I wouldn’t give it up for any comfortable, stable corporate executive job again!
I believe with my whole heart that I have finally stepped into my calling, my purpose, my destiny… call it what you may. As challenging [and at times stripping] as this new adventure has been, I have never felt more myself!
I may not be blogging or posting on social media as much as I would like (or at times feel like I’m “told to”), but I know that many of you are there, following along and at the perfect moments giving me a little nudge of encouragement. This is all real – so very real! And some would say this is WAY too transparent to be on a professional company website, but my intention has always been to be real. My greatest desire is to have true, genuine connection with everyone that I meet through this company, and I believe that being open and vulnerable even on here is part of that. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for following along. And if we haven’t connected directly yet, I would love to hear from you (even if you’re not a future bride)!
Much Love,
Ashley-Dawn
