PUSH!

The Merriam-Webster's definition of 'joy' is; the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Just as well, triumph, glory, nirvana and heaven are all related to the word joy.

I was not given the name Joy, haphazardly. My mother reminded me often growing up, that moment as she lay in the birthing room having complications, on the South Korean naval base of Pyeongtaek - fearing for her life, I was her 'bundle of joy"; her first born, her heaven and her triumph.

Pushing myself is all I know. There is a Force greater than me, a Force pushing me to achieve the greatness meant for me.

Nearing the end of the 3rd quarter, 2014, I realized a change was needed in my life. I needed to push myself to that "next level" , but I was extremely frightened of failure and of the unknown...if not today, then when?

On January 7th, 2015 I made the decision to quit my "cushy" $80,000 a year corporate job and peruse my dreams of starting my own business and modeling. During the year, I was going through a divorce, injured in an auto accident, lost my grandmother, all the while caring for a 8 year old and my disabled son. Talk about a full plate! However, I desired to be a shining example of what was possible; for my daughter and my son. I wanted to share in their daily lives and watch them grow. I decided I was going to show my children they can always change their circumstances - when you change the condition of your mind you will change the outcome that is your life, your surroundings. Our children learn from what they see; I decided mine were going to see their mother pushing through her fears, persevering and succeeding in what I believe in. It's been a daily effort to kept pushing to create a better life...pushing to secure a better future, pushing to redefine who I was and who I want to become.

I haven't always known exactly how I was going to accomplish this journey, but I keep believing, meditating and praying to the Source that has kept me pushing. Not only have I persevered through another year and started my business, I have become stronger, wiser, more patient and more in-tuned with Joy. Learning and growing through my fears and challenges in the last year has reminded me of my value, that I have purpose. I will continue to push through my fears and I will continue to climb my path of success through this life, sharing my failures and successes with those along my path.

2015 ended one chapter, I am ready to take on my next chapter of growth in 2016.