Life Struggles to Life Dream; it's all about Hard Work

It has been seven years since my life changed. Back then I had no clue what that meant. I was in shock.

Seven years ago, as my numbness subsided, I could only foresee struggles ahead. I always viewed my life as a collection of situations pushing me to struggle for any chance of achievement. Nothing ever came easy for me and this was no different.

Today I know it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I see the struggles as part of a string of opportunities getting me closer to my Dream.

So here is my story... going back seven years and more...

Growing up learning from hard working parents from a modest background, I imitated them, particularly my mom, always working hard to get out of tough situations, to prove myself to others and to advance in whatever situatio
I found myself in.
As a woman in a cultural environment that favors men, I also learned to stay quiet about my talents, needs and desires. I therefore attracted the wrong type of people in my life. Although deep dow
I have always known of myself to be the ambitious type, I lead myself to a number of individuals who challenged my vision and my capabilities. The weakness in my belief and in my commitment to my Life Dream made me susceptible to getting influenced by these individuals, at least to some degree.
And so I struggled, trying to find my path, always working extra hard to stand out from the crowd. Proving to others that I could do it also meant proving it to myself. I had to start believing in my purpose.
Seven years ago, when my husband was charged with conjugal violence, leaving me and my two young children to fend for ourselves after years of abuse, my life changed. Ironically, this was my second chance.

At the beginning I felt beat. I felt like not only life had been a struggle up to then, now this was the cherry on the sundae. I had to take care of my children alone, physically and financially. I also had to get back up on my own two feet. I could only see an uphill battle facing me. What it actually became was a blessing in disguise.
Here I was starting from scratch. I had a clean slate. It was my chance to start fresh with the ambition that I had deep inside, that I kept hidden all those years.
Hard Work stayed in my vocabulary, but it took on a different role in my life. Today, Hard Work gets me recognition for my true capabilities, it gives me a chance to be proud and share my pride with my family, it pushes me to believe in myself more and more each day, to stretch my comfort zone further each time. It has given me wings, promotions, assets I didn't even have when I was part of a couple! I did it on my own! I worked hard for it and it was more than worth it.
The best feeling out of all this, hearing a friend telling me that my daughter puts me on a pedestal, that she views my accomplishments as extraordinary and she wonders how she will live up to my standards. I will tell her one day... mommy wasn't always like this but she learned to change her life around. You can do that too.
Hard Work doesn't have to be associated to struggles.
I rather give it that positive twist. It's more in line with TheNewHappyMe.
Today Hard Work gets me closer and closer to my Life Dream!