Through Your Eyes

Self image simply is the perception of one’s self.

How do you see yourself?
Entrepreneurship has been a goal of mine for most of my life.  I was always business minded but could never narrow down my choices.  Over the years my path did change many times.  In the beginning, my path led my down tech highway.  I envisioned myself with my own web page and successful online store.  I spent countless hours and energy wasted because I knew this is what I wanted to do; so I thought.  I was very excited about my new endeavors and began to share it with people.  This was when I came to the realization that the people I had been around for years did not see the female that I thought I projected, which was one of confidence and eagerness to succeed.  Having been raised as a strong and independent person, I knew that was the person you also saw but when I was faced with rejection from my inner circle, I learned otherwise. Hearing things like, I wouldn’t make it and that wasn’t for me,…. really how would you know if I couldn’t make it because you’ve never tried at anything. Anyhow, I let them get inside my head and bruise my confidence and leave a scar.  Unbeknownst to me that scar would show up again and again as self doubt and fear.  I must mention that I was a very young adult at that time and allowed my dream to be thwarted.
Anyhow life continued. I had gainful employment with the federal government but that entrepreneurial side of me kept calling.  Over the years I had many odd ways of gaining extra income but nothing can compare to actually owning your business.  By now I had so many responsibilities in my life that I had no time for myself let alone succumb to that drive that hummed inside me.  As the years passed, I still hadn’t accomplished my dream of owning my own business but did manage to get a business name registered.  You begin to think something more worthwhile has happened but not really.  It turned into a sorry routine…. find out what I need to do….. make some phone calls, visit some state agencies…. and nothing (funny…maybe I should just be a researcher).  I asked myself many times why I continue down a path and never have anything to show for it?  I thought I knew the answer before but those were all wrong. The truth was that very first impression of rejection that I had felt from my early years had obstructed my growth.  I realized that I stop at the same point that I was thwarted before which was right after I put in the research (epiphany moment).
I was only able to come to this point with the help of some beautiful and intelligent friends that I have in my circle today.  There must be a great importance placed on really knowing your circle and the true value of the people in it.  Only you are in control of your destiny so if you are surrounded by negative people, then decrease the size of your circle.  Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in how many people you’re associated with because at the end of the day great numbers of ignorance can’t benefit you anyway.  We each have talents that we’re  supposed to share with each another, lift up each other and to stimulate each other’s minds in order to grow as a person. We each have our journeys but it takes the support and assistance of some good girlfriends to help you realize your dreams.  As Ms. TRose (friend and fellow blogger of…. http://www.girlsrockrolltumbleandneverfold.com) stated,” If you have never done it.. chances are you can not tell me how to do it.”  A simple statement with a powerful meaning and believe me every now and again you need to hear it so that you can regain your focus.  I’ve heard that one of the most important secrets to entrepreneurship is networking. Well where do you think it begins?  Your inner circle……. value yours!