I Even Fooled Myself

I can’t even explain how I was able to get up daily and function, moving in and out of my daily responsibilities like clockwork. In that period, I did what needed to be done to ensure everyone was taken care of. However, I was operating at about 50 percent. It was at that time that I also learned I was pregnant with my beautiful, gorgeous daughter. I had no clue at that time, but I still had not dealt with all the feelings of loss from the previous years. To add to my stress, the housing market balloon burst and the slump in the economy directly hit my business. I continued to mask and fake and pretend that everything great. I was so good, I even fooled myself. I proved true the theory that what’s going on inside shows up on the outside. I knew many friends who had undergone loan modifications, so I was sure we would apply and get one, too. We were denied for a modification three times during the next two years, and eventually the bank told us they were going to foreclose. Thank goodness, we were able to get approved for a short sale, and we moved forward with that option.

Beyond The Limit

I still owned my first home that was now being used as a rental property. Talk about feeling like your world was crumbling right around you! As a result, this home also had to be sold on a short sale. While all of this was going on, there was something in me that stirred, and I was jolted into the realization that it was time to take action. I was tired of feeling sluggish, out of control, fat, and completely unhealthy. I made the choice in that moment that I was going to take charge of my life in every aspect. I began to research eating healthy and started watching what I was eating. I ordered a workout program that came with a meal plan so that I could be supported. After we sold our home, we moved back into my parents’ custom home. It was also during this time that my husband became very resentful of me and what had transpired with our having to sell our home and move. He blamed me for the loss, believing I should have done something different. I tried explaining to him that this was a business decision and a new home could be purchased down the line. He made it very clear he didn’t really care what my reasoning was.

Life Will Throw Curve Balls At You

There came a time when we were unable to see eye to eye and made the decision to separate in hopes of allowing time and space to heal both of us. Even though we separated, I continued to work on myself. I became the fittest and healthiest I had been in my life, losing 55 pounds and feeling amazing. This is when life shifted drastically for the better. We were blown away, as we had no idea! They were impressed with the consistent growth we had been showing in the research industry and were also pleased that this was a business owned and run by women. I vividly recall thinking This is what happens when you honor your dream and take action. After many more discussions, we were offered a generous sum for the purchase of our business, and we accepted. I suggest you stay in your safe job. I just smiled in my heart and sent her love and gratitude. I was able to purchase an even larger and more gorgeous home for my family with a pool and spacious backyard for us to enjoy, as well as to entertain my friends and family. It’s about being honest with yourself and your willingness to put in the work that is required to create the change you’re seeking. It was also in this time of separation when I was able to honestly reflect not just about my relationship, but also about my next steps in life.

Awaiting On You All

It made perfect sense. The journey I continue to travel has provided me with insight and wisdom which could only be garnered from my own experiences. These same experiences have richly added not only to my professional life, but to my personal life as well. I’m happier, as are my children and my husband. I’m able to honor myself on a deeper level as I enjoy helping other women integrate business into their own lives. It is my greatest honor to help women of influence Locate, Lock in, and Lead from their true inner brilliance. There is really no other way to live. My road was painful and downright heartbreaking in its darkest moments, I wouldn’t change a thing. My experiences have contributed greatly to the woman I have become today and continue to develop. For this lesson, I’m so very grateful. Alycia is a Certified Life Coach, Business Mentor, and Speaker specializing in women’s empowerment and leadership. Her mission and passion in life is teaching strong women leaders how to step up, be fierce, and play bigger in their business and personal lives so that they can live the lifestyle they always desired. In November of 2004, Alycia decided she was ready to go full throttle into the world of entrepreneurship. Even that had to be in exchange for something, and what else was there to exchange? I still remember that day. My dream as a child was to become a doctor. I wanted to become a doctor until my dreams were shattered because I could not stay at school every time my period came. I grew up as a girl in Kenya. My mom left me when I was only five years old. When I started menstruating, I started very young, before the school could teach me about how to manage my blood and before anybody at home could teach me. It was very hard for me because I did not have a pad. I washed it and wore it again.