Bravely Connected

Bravery isn’t limited to how we interact with others—it’s about aligning with our true selves. This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who embodies this alignment beautifully. She’s a mom, an entrepreneur, and a dreamer who inspires others to live their dreams as well. Please join me in welcoming my friend, Meaghan Fettes.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Meaghan’s journey as an entrepreneur started well before motherhood. She initially jumped into the world of yoga instruction, thinking it would allow her full control over her time and energy. However, she quickly realized that being an entrepreneur can be more exhausting than having a traditional job. It became clear that she needed to learn how to create more space, time, and balance in her life.

When Meaghan became a mom, she found that the skills she had acquired before motherhood seemed to vanish. Like many of us, she had the expectation that balancing work and motherhood would be easy, that everything would fall into place. But life had other plans. Her first child was colicky and rarely slept, making it challenging to find that elusive balance.

Navigating the Chaos of Motherhood and Business

The journey of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood is one of constant evolution. Meaghan describes how the flexibility required in entrepreneurship has significantly helped her as a mother. The skills she learned—like not getting too attached to setbacks and being proactive in problem-solving—have been invaluable in parenting. She has learned to step back, assess situations from different perspectives, and then find solutions that work for both her and her children.

Meaghan’s approach to parenting and entrepreneurship is all about flexibility. Instead of striving for balance, she focuses on what needs to be done each day, acknowledging that every day is different. For example, during the summer when her boys are home, she plans her work around their schedules, focusing on three main tasks each day. This approach allows her to maintain her energy and avoid the stress of trying to achieve a perfect balance.

Letting Go of the Idea of Balance

One of the key takeaways from Meaghan’s journey is the realization that balance, as we often think of it, doesn’t exist. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of flexibility. She shares that women, especially moms, often try to fit themselves into the same structures as men, which can lead to exhaustion. Meaghan has learned to embrace the fluidity of life, especially during the summer months when her boys are at home. She plans her weeks with high-priority tasks but allows for flexibility in how and when they get done.

This approach has been freeing for Meaghan. She no longer tries to fit everything into a strict schedule but instead adapts her work around her life. This mindset shift has allowed her to be more present with her family while still moving her business forward.

The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

As our conversation shifted to Meaghan’s work with speakers, she highlighted the importance of vulnerability and connection. Successful speaking isn’t just about sharing expertise; it’s about bridging the gap between the speaker and the audience by addressing the barriers that hold people back. This often involves confronting shame and other limiting beliefs that prevent people from fully engaging with a message.

Meaghan believes that by sharing our stories vulnerably and admitting our imperfections, we create deeper connections with others. This approach not only builds trust but also empowers the audience to take action. It’s about shifting the focus from ourselves to the people we are there to serve.

Conclusion

Meaghan’s journey is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of balance may be less important than we think. Instead, embracing flexibility, being present, and connecting with others through our vulnerabilities can lead to a more fulfilling and aligned life. Whether you’re a mom, an entrepreneur, or both, Meaghan’s story offers valuable insights into how to navigate the complexities of these roles with grace and authenticity.

So, let’s take a page from Meaghan’s book: give yourself permission to be flexible, to let go of the idea of perfect balance, and to focus on what truly matters each day. And most importantly, remember that your bravery lies in aligning with your true self and living life on your terms.

Are you a mom with a dream? Do you want to know about something very special I’m creating just for YOU this fall? Contact me here and say, “Fill me in!!”

You can connect with Meaghan on facebook here