From Architect to Life Coach: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns
In a recent interview with Rebekah Lara, a remarkable mompreneur and life coach, I had the opportunity to dive deep into her incredible journey of balancing motherhood and building a thriving business. Rebekah’s story is not only inspiring but also filled with valuable insights for moms who aspire to pursue their dreams while raising their children. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that can help any mompreneur on her journey.
From Architect to Life Coach: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns
Rebekah’s journey began in a very different field—she was an architect and later a middle school math teacher. However, life took a significant turn when she became a stay-at-home mom to her three daughters, all of whom have special needs. During this time, her eldest daughter experienced acute liver failure, leading to a challenging period of medical care and recovery.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Change: Life may not always go as planned, but embracing unexpected changes can lead to new opportunities. When Rebekah shifted from architecture to teaching and eventually to life coaching, she discovered new passions and strengths.
- Learn from Challenges: Difficult experiences can teach us valuable lessons that shape our future paths. Rebekah’s journey through her daughter’s health crisis taught her resilience and adaptability, which became critical in her coaching career.
- Intentionality: Applying lessons from life’s challenges to foster growth and resilience. Rebekah intentionally used her experiences to guide and support other moms facing similar struggles.
Building a Business While Raising Special Needs Children
Rebekah’s transition into life coaching began as a creative outlet. She started blogging on various topics and found joy in the process. As she shared her experiences and strategies, other moms began reaching out to her for advice. This organic growth led her to realize the need for support among moms, especially those balancing entrepreneurship and caregiving.
Key Takeaways:
- Start Small: Begin with a hobby or a small project that you’re passionate about. It can evolve into something greater. Rebekah’s blog was a small step that grew into a full-fledged coaching business.
- Leverage Existing Skills: Utilize skills from previous careers or experiences in your new endeavors. Rebekah’s background in architecture and teaching provided a strong foundation for her coaching practice.
- Time Management: Focus on small, achievable tasks daily to maintain momentum and avoid overwhelm. Rebekah managed her time by breaking her day into manageable chunks, ensuring she could balance her business with her family responsibilities.
Achieving Intentional Imbalance
One of the most profound concepts Rebekah shared was the idea of “intentional imbalance.” She realized that striving for a perfect work-life balance was unrealistic. Instead, she embraced the natural ebb and flow of life, intentionally prioritizing different aspects at different times.
Key Takeaways:
- Flexibility: Accept that different seasons of life will require different priorities. Rebekah adjusted her focus depending on her family’s needs and her business demands.
- Intentional Planning: Use planning systems like the 12-week year to set and achieve goals, even amidst busy schedules. Rebekah found this approach helpful in managing her time and staying on track with her objectives.
- Self-Compassion: Give yourself grace and acknowledge that it’s okay for things to be out of balance sometimes. Rebekah emphasized the importance of being kind to oneself during hectic times.
Finding Quality Time and Self-Care
Balancing a business, a marriage, and raising children is no small feat. Rebekah emphasized the importance of being intentional about spending quality time with her husband and finding moments for self-care. She used a planning system to schedule regular date nights and prioritized activities that brought joy and relaxation.
Key Takeaways:
- Schedule Quality Time: Make it a priority to spend time with your spouse and family, even if it means scheduling it. Rebekah’s planning system ensured she had regular date nights and family activities.
- Self-Care: Recognize the importance of taking care of yourself to be the best for your family and business. Rebekah incorporated self-care routines that rejuvenated her and kept her grounded.
- Joyful Moments: Incorporate activities that bring you joy and relaxation into your routine. Rebekah’s love for writing and blogging was a source of joy and a stress-reliever.
Laying the Foundation for Future Growth
Rebekah’s experience underscores the importance of utilizing the early years of children to lay a strong foundation for the future. The effort and dedication invested during these formative years can pay off significantly later on.
Key Takeaways:
- Instilling Values and Discipline: Teaching children the importance of values, discipline, and responsibility from a young age can set them up for success in the future. Rebekah incorporates these lessons into her parenting, ensuring her daughters understand the value of hard work and resilience.
- Encouraging Independence: Encouraging children to be independent and self-reliant is crucial. This not only helps them develop essential life skills but also frees up some of the parent’s time, allowing them to focus on their careers. Rebekah’s daughters have learned to manage some of their needs independently, giving her more time for her business.
- Creating Quality Family Time: Despite the busy schedule, Rebekah emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with family. This strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories, providing emotional support and stability for children. Rebekah’s planned family activities ensure she stays connected with her children and husband.
Final Thoughts
Rebekah Lara’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, intentionality, and embracing life’s challenges with grace. Her insights remind us that while the path of a mompreneur is filled with obstacles, it is also rich with opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and success. By embracing intentional imbalance, leveraging our unique skills, and prioritizing self-care, we can navigate this journey with confidence and joy.
So, whether you’re just starting or are well into your journey as a mompreneur, Rebekah’s story offers valuable lessons and inspiration to help you lay a strong foundation now, enabling you to soar to greater heights in the future.
Access Rebekah’s FREE Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/simplebusinesssystems
Connect with Rebekah-
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/the.rebekah.lara/
Website | https://www.rebekahlara.com/