Age: 42

Occupation: Account Manager

Speaking to younger women, what wonderful things can women look forward to at your age?

By the time women become my age I would hope they have experienced the beauty of being a mother because being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had. 

Love will come at all ages, in all different shapes and sizes but self-love is not selfish; you can't truly love someone until you learn how to love yourself.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself.

Enjoy a day to yourself or with a bunch of your closest friends. They are the ones that will keep you grounded and sane.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?

I would tell my 14 year old self to enjoy life, live and breathe for YOU.  You will always be your number one supporter even when things are dark and gray.  Trust yourself enough that you were given the proper tools to make sound decisions and if it turns out terrible. Then learn from your mistakes and power forward.

Who inspired you as a little girl? Who inspires you now?

As a little girl my mom inspired me, I saw her dedication and devotion to her family.  She was the glue that kept us together. She taught me how to be independent, cook, clean, sew and sacrifice for the ones you love. 

As a little girl I always knew I wanted to be a mother, so when I was told I had cervical cancer my dreams were shot.  I didn't know if I would be able to become a mother; a dream I've had all my life. So when I found out that I was pregnant, I was beyond excited and then reality kicked in and worry overshadowed my happiness. I was filled with doubt and hesitation. I wanted to share my good news with everyone I knew but I held my lips tight until my first trimester was over. The day my daughter was born was the day my life shifted. I was overwhelmed with joy and triumph and in that moment I knew what my mother felt all those years. 

Strong women with good family values and traditions inspire me. Those women who sacrifice for their children or the betterment of their families always have my respect.

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

My greatest challenge was my divorce. I contemplated for years, debating if it was financially worth it, how my kids would feel not having both parents under one roof. Then the final straw happened and I had enough courage and the support of my friends and family to actually file. I was tired of living in misery and guilt. It was finally MY time to live. It took me a few years to rediscover myself and I've never looked back.

What is your definition of success?

Success is the ability to live your life the way you want to live it. Doing what you most enjoy, surrounded by the people who you admire and respect.