I have been asked why I choose to become an Entrepreneur. The truth is, it was not my first choice. All I wanted to do was write, share my story and help others that were feeling the same way. It wasn't until two years later when I started really coming out of my shell and connecting with other Entrepreneurs that I decided this is what I wanted to do. In the beginning it was very difficult to admit what I was going through. How was my story different? How was I going to help people? It was all right in front of me. By sharing my story, I was in fact helping someone else know that they were not alone. This is exactly what I wish I would have known when I was struggling. Because I didn't talk about "It", I had no idea that I in fact was not alone either. "It" was the mental health stigma that no one wanted to talk about. It was like the secret part of our lives that was supposed to remain that way.. a secret.
The more I started sharing my story, the more I started to connect with others. I decided that I was no longer going to hide it. In order for me to help others, I needed to be the voice. I wanted to be their voice and advocate for all of us who are struggling. Not only is admitting that you are living with or suffering from mental illness such a delicate topic but it is a serious matter that can't be taken lightly. Too often was I embarrassed and ashamed to say anything. I didn't want people to think there was something wrong with me. I didn't want to be seen as weak. I am a female and a Veteran and I didn't want to be seen as someone who was faking it. You may be reading this and rolling your eyes or even questioning my whole statement right now. You may also be nodding your head in agreement. Whatever the case may be, THIS is why most of us don't want anyone to know what in fact lies within us. Too many times I have said "I'm ok, I've got this or don't worry, I will be fine". How many of you have said that and did not even remotely mean it. You were just saying it to ward off the questions to dig deeper into your feelings. No, thank you.
So, here we are. Three years later and my story still lives on but I am working my ass off to do something about it. I am still a female and a veteran, a mom and military spouse and I am living with PTSD, depression and Anxiety. I am also an Entrepreneur in which I help others know that "It is ok to not be ok". Yes ma'am it is. Not only do I live with the above but did you read my other blogs that talk about my very traumatic car accident? Yeah, if that didn't just open up my eyes. You name it, I may have gone through it. The one thing that I have to keep reminding myself is that I am still here for a reason. I survived something so traumatic that not even Doctors know how it was possible.
Helping others has saved me. Each day I wake up is for my family and for all of you. This life is not easy. Some days suck. Some days I want to throw in the towel. Some days I don't even know why I am still here. I wake up, look at my adorable service dog and it hits me. Only the God that I believe knows and that really is enough. I was given a second chance to live and I will make for damn sure that I help all of you continue to live yours.
Being an Entrepreneur/Vetpreneur has changed my life and I have all of you to thank. If
it weren't for all of you who kept pushing me to keep going then I wouldn't be where I am today. If it weren't for all of you who told me that I am in fact making a difference then none of this would even be possible. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for entrusting me with your stories. Thank you for having the faith that I can do this. Thank you God for keeping me alive to continue down the path that you have laid out for me.