12 Feb #ShareTheLove Letter by Laura W.

Dear women entrepreneurs, everywhere:

Growing a business is hard. But the truth is, so is a lot of other things worth doing. Writing a novel. Running a marathon. Becoming a great home cook. Being a parent. Not eating all the chocolates in one sitting.

There are many, many things in life that require courage, resilience, focus, dedication, and trust. Entrepreneurship is simply one of those things.

So what does that mean for you — a woman who feels like succeeding as an entrepreneur is one of the most difficult things she’s ever tried to do?

It means you’re on the right track. It means that you’re showing up to this role and pouring your time, attention and heart into it. Entrepreneurship is one of the biggest struggles you can choose, but it’s also one of the most worthwhile.

Are there easy days that feel easy? Are there moments when you think “Eff yeah! I could do this work forever”? Are you going to do, say or experience things that make you feel fulfilled and on fire— more than anything else ever has?

My experience is YES. ABSOLUTELY. The exhilarating, soul-stirring, at-home moments are what make the journey through entrepreneurship WORTH IT.

Are there also days that feel like nothing is going your way? Are there moments when you’re so paralyzed by overwhelm that you cannot, for the life of you, figure out what to do? Are you going to do, say or experience things that cause you to lay awake at night, wondering if the path you’re on is the wrong one?

My experience is YES. ABSOLUTELY. The doubt-filled, fear-inducing, oh-no moments are what make the journey through entrepreneurship REAL.

They’re part of the package and they’re simply the struggles that you’re choosing instead of the ones that come from reporting to someone else, working in job that doesn’t stimulate you, being part of an organization that doesn’t value you, or choosing a career path that doesn’t allow for the creation, freedom, flexibility and independence you crave.

Feeling the highs and lows means you’re moving forward. And if you keep moving forward, you’re bound to get new places.

So next time you’re in the middle of a day or dilemma that is so difficult you want to quit, remember that no one has ever changed the game, their lives or the world because it was easy.

You’re stronger, smarter and braver than you think — keep going.

With love from someone who’s been there,

Laura

This letter was written as part of Operation #ShareTheLove, an initiative by Vendeve.com with the goal of sharing the love of entrepreneurship and encouraging women entrepreneurs everywhere. For more information or to participate, visit www.vendeve.com/sharethelove.

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