A PHASE OF STABILITY WORK JOY AND PASSION
At this time, my self-confidence was at its peak, both mentally and physically. My exercise routine and weight management gave me an edge in everything I did. There was no stopping me. Money came in slowly but steadily. Life was pretty balanced: work, husband, kids, & home.
Every day was different, and each day had its own priority. I made sure that no matter what happened, My kids always came first. They were the most valuable jewels of my life. (And still are )They were the only ones rightfully meant for my destiny. We connected deeply and frequently went on cruises, visited theme parks, explored a variety of sports and took domestic trips, International trips —the most memorable times of my life.
The demands of work and raising my children was intense, a true test of my limits. To cope with this overwhelming pressure, I discovered Zumba. It wasn't just exercise; it became my sanctuary, a place where the vibrant music and movement allowed me to destress and rediscover joy amidst the daily grind. It energized and motivated me both physically and mentally.
My husband and I quickly immersed ourselves into the logistics of running a convenience store and gas station business. It was a steep learning curve, and we certainly stumbled along the way. With each mistake we got better, and before we knew it , we were experts in managing and running the store business.
The sheer physical toll of those long hours on our feet was extensive, and for a long time, hiring help wasn't a viable option. We faced it together, weary and exhausted at the end of each day yet strong and united in our efforts.
My days were carefully organized with a lot of responsibilities. I would wake up early to prepare breakfast, ensuring my children started their day nourished. Then came the school drop-offs, followed by the preparation of lunch and the endless cycle of household chores.
A brief respite would allow me to tackle banking before heading to the store for my shift. The evening brought its own set of demands: preparing dinner, taking the kids to the park, or chauffeuring them to their extracurricular activities. I remember countless times napping in the car, windows down, waiting patiently while they pursued their passions.
Weekends were dedicated to the essential task of buying inventory from wholesale clubs and stocking groceries – tasks that often involved long drives. Sometimes, my children would accompany me, watching movies in the backseat or reading.
As the proverb goes, “ Where there is a will, there is a Way”. The classic quote that defines focus, power and determination when facing obstacles.
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DEMANDS OF BUSINESS AND SCHOOL
We worked diligently to create a stable and loving environment for our children. We made precious memories together, cherishing our time as a family. Their laughter and love filled my heart, reminding me of the importance of family and the enduring power of a mother's strength that can surpass every peril of life.
Life had pretty much charted its course. Early morning wake-up, late nights—a race to accomplish as much as possible. My focus was entirely on my children. Their academic success made us incredibly proud, inspiring us more than ever to achieve our dreams for a substantial life. We worked towards creating great customer relationships, making everyone feel like they were a part of the store family.
We secluded ourselves from family and friends as there was never any time. The store took up most of our days, and there were also the kids plus their extracurricular activity
There was no breathing time. But my love for music & dance stayed with me, and whenever I had a free moment, I would create my curated audio CD collection or practice dance moves. Listening to music during long drives was divine for me, and those were my reminiscing moments when I would get teary-eyed about how much my life had evolved from one country to another.
Looking back on that period, I am struck by the sheer resilience, that I discovered within myself. Zumba was my lifeline, and the business an indication of my tenacity and partnership with my husband, and my duty and commitment to my children, was like a stable solid force that will always stand by them for eternity. I didn't just survive those demanding years;
I stormed through them with strength and with sheer confidence. My story, I realize, is a powerful reminder that even when life feels overwhelming and challenging, the human spirit can not only endure but find moments of joy and ultimately thrive. I am proud of the power I found within myself and the life I built during that intense chapter. And all this was never going to be possible without my eternal companion, my husband.
I always felt :
"The tapestry of my personal experiences and narrative is rich with the threads of inspiration, motivation, and the wisdom of learning.
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