For a great part of my adult life, I felt like I was searching to fill a void. The emptiness seemed to be unfounded because I had so much: a successful career as a professional educator, a beautiful home, a wonderful husband and daughter, and fantastic friends. The list sounds like a recipe for contentment, but something was missing.



As a young woman, I used to be somewhat of a renegade as a means of expressing my individuality; having a true sense of belonging was elusive. Could this be the cause or the effect of the void that I felt? I searched for answers for years before realizing my outward search was misguided. What I was looking for, my power and peace, was already inside of me. This realization set me on an interesting and rewarding path of self-transformation, leading me to where I am now - a successful entrepreneur who is more at ease with myself.

Hopefully, some of what I learned will help you on your entrepreneurial and self-discovery journey:

1. Engage in Personal Development: The road to personal development is paved with many beneficial tools; choose activities that resonate with you. I have experienced positive shifts in my thinking by reading and watching and listening to materials that inspire and educate. I remain open to beliefs and opinions that help me expand my vision without judging, giving me the opportunity to learn and experience from different points of view. I attend seminars and workshops that assist me in clarifying my vision and give me the opportunity to associate with people whom I admire. These events help create momentum in my life and have served as a catalyst for some of the friendships and true sense of community I now enjoy.

2. Say goodbye to perfectionism: It used to be that everything had to be perfect; I thought that ?perfect? was the yardstick by which to measure myself. Striving for perfection was exhausting! I learned perfectionism is about having to be in control of outcomes. How liberating to now know that, the only thing I can control is my reaction to people and events. Now I give myself permission to be excellent not perfect.

3. Learn to receive: In my many roles, I was always giving ? my time, my energy, whatever was needed. After all, ?it's better to give than to receive? ? right? I enjoyed giving but rarely allowed myself to receive, and at times found myself overwhelmed and resentful. Being open to receive is a reflection of ?being worthy?. Receiving is a form of giving that goes beyond the exchange of tangible items and attracts many intangible blessings into my life.

4. Create balance of mind, body, and spirit: Finding time for me used to seem impossible. Once I made myself a priority (without guilt), it became easier to schedule ?me time?. I use my time for introspection and to clarify what is important to me. I honor my physical body through detoxification, balanced nutrition, exercise and rest. Massages, meditations, prayer, music and dance are other tools in my toolbox. And where would balance be without including fun and laughter?

Satisfying my restless spirit is a journey. Along this path I have learned that life's challenges are meant to teach me valuable lessons. By being open to receive, people and events come into my life to facilitate my personal and spiritual growth.

I can truly say that I'm now more comfortable with myself. I'm adaptable, but who I am, my content, does not change based on the context. I seek to be of service to myself and to others.

Allow your restless spirit to find a home! Go to the calendar and schedule time for yourself now ? begin your journey within.