In life we are face decisions every day. In the same way that some people are good test takers while others panic, there are people who are natural decision makers and aren’t afraid to act decisively. For other people, a big decision can become a big production until eventually they get so wrapped up in the details that they lose sight of why they are actually making the decision. As women, sometimes our emotions can make the decision-making process even more dramatic.
Over the past decade I have made decisions and choices that have allowed me to be in control of my own life! I have always had a personal drive to succeed. People have asked me what motivates me to continue doing everything that I do each day as a wife, mom, and business owner. They have asked me how I made my vision of DASHA® into a reality and how I was able to adapt to the major life changes involved. I have done some soul-searching in my thirties (by the way- I am still in them!), and my answer to all of these questions is simply that I trusted my gut.
Ladies and gentlemen: whoever you are it is so important to believe in you and trust your gut. Only you can make decisions for you. At an early age I felt insecure and uncertain. I saw a lot of things as a kid that steered me into that way of thinking. I was raised by two loving parents who didn’t always think about what would happen in the future. They made decisions that they thought were right, but I learned from some of their mistakes never to live with blinders on. I always faced the music and owned it.
By 21 I had become an adult in every sense of the word. I had just lost my older brother and bff Sean. We had been young, adventurous, and stupid together, but within my year of pain and loss I made changes that would affect the rest of my life. By 21 I had closed the door on old friends and completely turned to a new chapter of life. By 22 I was given an opportunity to drive the bus (and I don’t mean a yellow bus!) at my family business of automotive parts and accessories. I felt that finally I was being rewarded for being responsible and coming out strong after losing my brother. However, this same year my stepfather, who was like a father to me, passed away unexpectedly. He had been my mentor in business and life, and I was again devastated by the loss.
Because of some family circumstances related to the loss of my brother and stepfather, I found myself largely caring for my two younger siblings as if they were by own. My little brother even began calling me “mom”! I stayed 13 years in the family business before I decided that it was time for a new chapter. I talked to myself about it. I decided to take chances.
So for 6 months, I flew like a bird, uncertain of what might happen. I told myself that it was okay to feel lost because I always knew my way home. I searched for new mentors left and right, and I accepted what came my way. I trusted in myself and listened to my gut! In the end, I found love along the way.
I am now married to Dr. Darren Pollack, D.C. We have been married for almost 10 years (wow!). I have two beautiful children that I love and admire, and I make decisions daily for my business, my family, and myself. I trust those around me but remember to always be responsible myself! It is a huge factor in this game of trusting.
We all have a story. No story is greater than your own. I made a lot of wrong moves and corrected them when I needed to. I decided to write this post because I just made a big decision that was difficult for me to make, and in the end, I relied on my intuition. Changes are good, but remember to think things through. Believe in you and trust your gut!
Have a great week.
Sha