Six years ago, I walked away from my six-figure job to pursue my dreams to empower women and girls. I found this picture and I blogged about that moment when I walked into my boss’s office and boldly said “I quit!”. You can check out my original blog post here: http://empowerherinc.blogspot.com/2012/08/ps-i-quit-step-closer-to-my-dream.html. That person that took that leap seems so foreign to me now. I’m in tears just thinking about that moment and even sharing my thoughts in this week’s blog post.
I quit my job to have more flexibility for my family and to walk in my passion and gifts. I took on some contract work to supplement my income and set off to change the world. I had no plan just - a 501 (C) 3 and a dream. My oldest daughter was entering high school and I knew that I wanted to be home when more. I was very successful at work but my job was very demanding and offered little flexibility. Prior to my quitting I had helped to run a community based organization for girls for 5years. I created great programs and events for girls in our community and was ready to branch out to help women and create more events that would spark social change on a full-time-basis.
I launched my organization and hosted several events. It started out great - then life happened. A close family member got sick and passed away, we experienced unexpected financial issues and many other challenges. A year later I tucked my tail between my legs and returned to my 9-5, so ashamed that I was back where I started. I was back to being overworked, stressed and embarrassed that my plan did not work. I tried to keep things going with my dreams on the side but I got busy being a mom and wife. Empower Her, Inc. had a “Closed” sign on its virtual door. I have tons of dust covered boxes in my attic right now full of my Empower Her, Inc dreams, visions, etc.
Fast forward to June 12th, 2018. My friend sent me a screenshot of plans I made in 2013 for a leadership camp for girls. She read me the details of my proposal for this program and the requirements that I was requesting for a space to host the camp. I could not believe that it had been 5 years. The details were so specific. At the time I knew that I would get that space, register tons of girls and provide a camp that would also help my girls! The camp was a big part of my plans but it never got off the ground due to not finding a space and the resources. I had forgotten about that dream and about my plans. It’s funny how God brings things to your attention at the right time. Especially as my 14-year-old is settling into her summer routine and is too old for camps but needs some type of enrichment.
The same thoughts of wanting to put together amazing programs for girls and women has crept back into my spirit as well as fear. The thought of putting something together again and relaunching has me shaking in my boots. Just to even write again on this blog started out as a struggle. I enjoy blogging as a guest on this blog because it is under the safe covering of someone else’s dream. I have my own blog that I started over six years ago that I have not touched instead I am sharing my thoughts here where it is safe. It’s like I have “Leaping for Your Dreams PTSD”, lol.
God has been telling me over the last few months that it is time to share my journey and gifts with the world again. I want to stay hidden and quiet but He is pushing me to move forward. So,I am leaning into Him more, praying, planning and strategizing to launch some new programs/events in the fall. I am at the end of this week’s Power Hour Blog post and I realize I did not have much to share - just my journey, where I am today and where I want to be. I guess that is okay too. I would ask for prayers and support as I get the strength to get back on the horse again. For those of you that have scrapped up knees from your recent leaps I am here to provide band aids, to be scared with you and to be your biggest cheerleader when you are ready to leap again.
Feel free to share your recent leaps, falls or tail tucked between your legs moments in the comments section.
Cheers to leaping, falling and getting back up again!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.
Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
