Has this ever happened to you? You had a dream; you set goals, you planned, and persevered, and hoped. Every day, month, and year you grew closer and closer to achieving it. And then you finally got it? And it wasn’t your dream any longer. I know, I’ve been there. With sweat, stress, tears, and some victories, I was gaining experience and earning diplomas to one day be qualified to open my own business and be my own boss.
My dream for twelve long years was to open a hair salon. I love being a hairstylist. I love making people beautiful and gain confidence. I love hearing personal stories and encouraging and supporting women. I was SO proud when my dream came true! Lena’s Hair salon was open for business. I was ecstatic to see how far I had come since my cosmetology course. I put my education to the test, and was good at it! I loved my clients and loved my job.
Amidst this success, strangely, I began having feelings like I was ‘a salmon swimming against the current’. The longer I worked, the more stressed I became. It took life coaching to figure out one simple truth: this particular business interfered with my family life. I thought I could do it all. I had told myself my children were old enough to be independent. I used all the tricks and tips to help me with my household chores and responsibilities. But I was failing both my kids and my clients.
I realized this dream of mine didn’t fit into my life anymore. At first, I didn’t want to quit or give up, feeling like I had wasted all that time and training. But coaching made me realize I was simply complete and without it. This experience had to happen so I would never experience the regret of not trying. I wouldn’t have to blame circumstance and think, “because of the kids I wasn’t able to become a salon owner.” I did it, I loved it, and it was successful. It just wasn’t what I wanted anymore! My priorities changed. And don’t get me wrong; there are mothers who do whatever it takes! They can work outside the home, or run their own business, and still manage family. There are moms who are devoted fully to their children and household. You have to find what works for you. It’s fantastic when you follow your calling and you have peace no matter what you choose.
I closed my business, sold my salon supplies, and, with a heavy heart, sent all my clients to another stylist. I had a moment of grief. I shed some tears as the door on this dream closed heavily, but I also felt PEACE! God opened a new door – to
write and publish a book (which was in process for the last four years); sharing my story to encourage and help others. And now I dream of becoming a motivational speaker, sharing the message of God’s love. This will work with a schedule that I will manage around my family! I am also excited to re-launch my essential oils business that sat dormant for the last six years. With this I can make a difference in people’s lives, too. I am so grateful that dream died because without it there would be no space for the birth of new dreams.
Love&BLoved
Lena Cebula 