I often find myself sitting and pondering what life will be like for you both when you’re older. What will you do, who will you become?

As your mummy and as a business women I think of all the lessons I need to teach you, what must I pass on, what values are most important? Should I sweat the small stuff or just worry about the bigger picture? Should I push you to be the best version of yourself or should I leave you to navigate that path and learn valuable lessons along the way?

I’ve learned I don’t need to rush to your defense as you can be quite resourceful, but rather you need to know I’m in your corner with a ready cuddle or a sympathetic ear, providing guidance to help you navigate your way. I’ve learned you need my support rather than my direction, although this is sometimes easier said than done!

When you bring your report cards home, although I know grades are important, I’m most proud of you both when reading comments like; an enthusiastic and positive attitude to learning, applies herself to the task at hand, reliable and well organized, a focused and self-motivated learner, self-sufficient, helpful and compassionate, always cares for others.

Although in years to come top grades may get you a good job, it is your attitude and mindset that will provide you the greatest opportunities of all.

I want to share with you the lessons I’ve learned on my journey so far:

• Life is unpredictable but I can plan and look ahead to better prepare myself for the unknown;
• Pushing boundaries, challenging the norm and not readily accepting the status quo doesn’t mean I’m reckless but rather I’m in control;
• It’s essential to surround myself with people who value me, who love and support me, who I can lean on during the good and the bad;
• Life is too short to live with no direction, without purpose and passion;
• Always strive to do better, to be better, to make a difference;
• Always be grateful and appreciate what I have.

I’ve come to realize on this journey with you by my side that I need to encourage you to chase your dreams, to not be afraid to dream big. I mustn’t just teach you though, I need to lead the way; I can’t just tell you, I need to show you; I need to walk the talk so you can see there is meaning and substance behind what I say. I know you both watch me from the sideline as I juggle motherhood and building a business, I know you see what hard work looks like, that persistence, perseverance and commitment produces results. You see my passion and you see I have purpose. You see me when I am at my most vulnerable, you see me lean on those who matter in order to get back up to my feet. You see when I love, that I love fiercely. I want you both to grow into strong, independent women who have a love for life and who make the most out of every opportunity.

I realize your lifetime will be considerably different to my lifetime. I want you to know, I need you to understand that if you really want something in life then it is up to you to go out and get it, never rely on someone else to give you what you want. You need to experience the joys of the journey and the satisfaction upon reaching your destination because that is what life is ultimately about.

What I know is true; your mindset and your attitude is most important, life’s speedbumps, roadblocks and potholes often provides the greatest learnings and create the greatest opportunities, anything is possible if you have the courage to follow your heart and conviction to see it through.

Know I will always sit on your sideline watching and cheering you on, I will always be there for you to lean on, to hold your hand, to wipe tears from your eyes, to laugh with you and to share many more memories with you.

All my love forever and ever ♥

Mummy x

Susan Stevens

Susan Stevens is the founder of New Zealand-based Meme & Co, a jewelry and accessories company with an innovative, woman-centered business model. She has over 18 years experience in sales, marketing and advertising, she climbed the corporate ladder and was committed to her career but her priorities changed when she had her children. Life became a struggle, trying to find a balance between wanting to retain her worth and independence in the workforce without compromising her ability to be a present and attentive mother.

Then, Susan made a terrifying leap – leaving a six figure income to no job and a big mortgage. With a very strong resolve never to go back to the corporate world, and through commitment, perseverance and a passion to succeed, she found as one door closed other doors opened. It was this journey that gave her the motivation and the drive to create an opportunity for other women who want to be in control, who value their independence, who want to be empowered. Her drive to keep a balance between work and family life ultimately resulted in `taking a leap’ into the unknown and embarking on a personal journey of self reflection, new challenges and growth.

Meet Susan here… www.memeandco.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram