The Struggle of Balancing Dreams and Duties

Deema sat at her kitchen table, staring at the scattered papers that represented her dreams. She was an ambitious woman in her 40s, yearning to be among the high achievers, those women who exemplified talent, grit, and success. But life had a way of pulling her in different directions, and today was no different. The demands of her family, the constant worry about her husband, children, parents, siblings, friends, and acquaintances left her feeling fragmented and unfulfilled.

Deema's Aspirations and Current Reality

Deema had always been a beacon of strength and resilience. She had tasted success in her earlier years, earning respect and recognition for her dedication and hard work. But now, she felt those accomplishments slipping through her fingers like sand. Her own business, once a shining beacon of her aspirations, now seemed like a distant dream, buried under the weight of her responsibilities.

Every day, Deema juggled her roles: a loving wife, a caring mother, a dutiful daughter, a supportive sister, and a loyal friend. Her time was consumed by the needs of others, leaving little room for her own ambitions. She spent her days running errands, attending to her family's needs, and putting out fires that were not her own. Each task, while important, pulled her further away from her own goals.

The Moment of Realization

One evening, as Deema was tucking her children into bed, her daughter looked up at her with innocent eyes and asked, "Mom, what did you want to be when you were my age?" The question struck a chord deep within her. Memories of her younger self flooded back — the dreams of leading her own company, the vision of her name among the greats, and the passion that once burned brightly.

After her children fell asleep, Deema sat in quiet contemplation. She realized that in her quest to be everything for everyone, she had lost sight of being something for herself. She was respected and loved, but her soul felt unfulfilled. The recognition she once cherished seemed like a distant echo, and she feared that if she continued on this path, she would look back with regret.

Awakening to Her Potential

Deema imagined her future, years down the line. She saw herself at family gatherings, smiling and nodding at the accomplishments of others, while feeling an emptiness inside. She envisioned her children growing up, moving out, and starting their own lives, leaving her with more time but fewer opportunities. The business ideas she had shelved would remain just that — ideas, with no chance of realization. The thought haunted her, and she knew something had to change.

To all the incredible women out there who feel caught in this same struggle, I urge you to pause and delve into the depths of your own journey. Reflect on what truly drives you and question the authenticity of your aspirations. Let these questions spark your introspection and guide you toward your true path:

1. Are my entrepreneurial dreams truly my own, or are they merely a facade to impress others?
2. Am I pursuing my business endeavours out of genuine passion and purpose, or am I merely following a fleeting fancy?
3. Do my actions align with my true desires and values, or am I allowing external expectations to dictate my path?
4. How can I discern between genuine aspirations and passing whims, ensuring that my efforts are directed towards meaningful goals?
5. Am I willing to confront the discomfort of uncertainty and self-exploration in order to uncover my true passions and aspirations?