Unstoppable Women in Business

I was flattered to be invited to join a women's business group recently. Nothing unique in many ways, in that there was a smattering of entrepreneurs present; a massage therapist, clothing designer, naturopath, writer and various other businesses present.  But I felt a bit like an apple in a box of chocolate creams. Why? I'm 62, and out of the eighteen or so women present, the next closest in age to me was 44.  The others were all younger. On one hand it wasn't a problem for me. Hey, we were all women, all owned businesses, many had partners, children and dealt with similar life issues. But on the other hand, I couldn't help but notice that the issues that emerged in the group mind were ones I would have focused on 20-30 years ago, but not  so much now.  And when I shared about my present challenges, one woman summed it up for me when she said, "Oh, I understand how you feel because my mom is  going through that exact same thing."

Being in this group has reminded me of the concerns I faced in my mid-thirties, of starting a business when my son was a toddler. I loved what I was developing and enjoyed being out in the world, creating something worthwhile, speaking out and making a difference. However, being a mom was the most important part of those years. My appointment book was filled with his music lesson times, school pick-ups, etc. I scheduled my whole business life around his needs and his schedule. I never once regretted it and now that he is almost 30 I  am so thankful for those years.  After all is said and done, raising him to be the amazing person that he is, was my biggest accomplishment.

During my 30's my two biggest  issues were self-esteem and work-life balance.  I never thought I was good enough, and I secretly and constantly compared myself to other people I admired. I craved to have acknowledgment from my peers and to know that I was valued.  At the time I didn't realize that's how I felt. I just reacted to things and did the best I could.  Along with that, I struggled with being pulled two ways. One part wanted to be home with my child and the other part felt that I would lose headway in my business, or miss an opportunity if I wasn't out there all the time.

Now, 30 years later, none of those things matter. My son is raised and I have no grandchildren yet to distract me. I feel a sense of peace inside about who I am and what I offer and rarely compare myself to anyone. I'm just ok with who I am and my focus in on giving and helping people through my work.  In a way my energy is much stronger and more focused because I'm not weighed down with all the emotional issues. I can almost picture my 35 year old inside laughing with me as we both enjoy the stage we are in now. I feel blessed because I love what I do. How many people can say that?  There is nothing stopping me from growing my business as large as I want it  to be.

So, my message to all the women in my age group is to acknowledge the freedom you have now, the self-esteem to do whatever you need to do and the focus and energy to make it happen. There are a lot of amazing businesses being started by 60 year old women who are unstoppable.



I'm Kaya Singer with tools for Awakening for Women of a Certain Age.

Helping you clear your focus and grow your business.

http://www.awakeningbusiness.com
http://www.awakeningbusiness.com/blog