Proceed with Confidence: Teen Mom Edition

Yep. You read that title correctly. 

Teen. Mom.

Midway through my high school senior year, I found out. Less than two weeks after my 18th birthday, and a day after I found out I was accepted to one of my dream colleges.

I don't even think the word "fear" encapsulates the emotions and feelings that flooded me. 

And the fear wasn't just internal. Family, friends, teachers... the decision was unanimous - I had ruined my life. The thought of my super-well-planned-pre-med-ivy-league-superstar future did a hard 180. Talks of college majors switched to how I couldn't afford daycare. When my friends were talking about their future dorms, I was thinking "how do people pick out a freaking crib?!"

Riley was born three weeks before I graduated. That's when the fear REALLY set in. But along with it came a deep grudge. A grudge against everyone saying I had failed. A grudge against the idea that I couldn't accomplish anything. A grudge (which I still hold today) against the idea of "becoming another statistic". 

You know what I learned a grudge and fear can fuel?

Grit.

The circumstances weren't going to define me. More importantly, they weren't going to define the type of mom I was. No matter how scary and unknown the next step, I was taking it - for Riley. That included both full-time school and work, a lot of f*ck ups, and a lot of little wins.

13 years later (WILD to have a teen 😅), the grudge has gone, but the grit has stayed. I wouldn't be anywhere without the lessons and experiences I've had (and continue to have) as a young mom.

....especially my career. The habit of working hard to (1) prove myself and (2) support someone who relies on me has shaped me into who I am as a leader. Not to mention Riley keeps me updated on the latest trends (like this 🤣).

All in all - the things we fear most can often be the most impactful experiences in life <3