From Paycheck to Passion

My friend Angel asked me Sunday morning what to give a close friend who is pregnant. Angel has always been supportive of what I do because we used to work together and shared our own office highs and lows. We were exchanging messages until she said something that struck me: “Good for you – your business keeps you from going back to corporate!” and that made me realize something… oh my gosh!… I DON’T have a job! and it’s been 2 years! 2 years since I left my executive post, YET I am still alive!!! Lived for 24 months without my paycheck, yet I am still breathing!

I guess most of you will agree with me that leaving the corporate world at this time of worldwide economic struggle is almost like suicide, specially when you have a family to feed.  “Will I survive? I don’t wanna give up my lifestyle! Will it still be possible to send our children to the best schools? What’s gonna happen to our future?” Two years ago, I definitely had these chaotic thoughts in mind and these were REAL concerns. I was on bed rest while pregnant with my 2^nd child and tug-of-war thoughts like these filled my days and nights.  My parents were horrified with what I was going to do but when I got my husband’s go signal, I said – this is it, let’s do it!… and I should do it now before he changes his mind! And so I did. It was absurd but deep down inside, it felt soo right. There’s nothing wrong with living in a corporate world. I literally dwelled on it for 12 years. It’s just that I knew I was an entrepreneur at heart and being in corporate was just “borrowed” life for me. And when I finally stepped out of it, I was ready to face my new world – full of hope, big dreams and excitement! I was excited to live the life I’ve always envisioned – being a work-at-home mom, spending executive time with people that matter (my kids!!!), having businesses I am passionate about (and will give me income), and FINALLY having time to do most of the things I put off because I was always too busy!

Looking back, I couldn’t have done it without my husband’s support. He was my real-life leading man. He did not only provide for our needs, but he also took a more active role in loving and caring for me and our children. He was happier seeing me take care of the kids and him. He was happier seeing me happier! =) The good Lord also blessed me with a budding business I share with my two enterprising cousins. We were together last weekend at our bazaar and while having dinner, Charlene remembered we were celebrating our 2^nd year anniversary already! Our business is still in its infancy stage (thank God it’s growing!) but we know it will be BIG in God’s time. Our biz gives me a different level of fulfillment and joy. Now, I am not only a mom to my two boys but also to my Babinski Baby.

For the past two years, I am fortunate to live a fuller life. It is soo different from the kind of life I had before but I am thankful for the detour God has directed me. Day by day, I am showered with new learnings – on being a wife, a mother (formative years are the most crucial!), being a mompreneur, a Christian and all other aspects of my now multi-faceted life.  And in the past two blissful years, here are some essentials in life that I’ve come to realize. Sharing them with you coz these really made an impact on me…

Dream Big. Live simply.

In everything, be grateful.

Appreciate even little things in everyday life.

Family first or regret it in the end.

Seek God and grow in Him.

Real friendships last, so treasure it.

Be healthier. Live healthier. Now!

You always have a better choice.

Value relationships – family, work, even in business.

Live and enjoy your passion.

Balance and moderation are key to everything.

Be true to yourself and others.

Love yourself and let that love overflow to others.

And all these things make a happier me.

And a happy woman in her thirty-somethin’ makes a happy and pretty 😉 wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.

P.S. happy 2nd year anniversary Babinski Baby! =)

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