COLLEEN
The Prudential Center, Boston, MA
Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Friend, Small Business owner, School Committee member & Non-profit board member. I am open-minded, reflective & resilient. I'm afraid of dissapointing my family, friends and community. I often worry about financial security. The births of each of my 4 sons were the best days of my life. My worst day was when I had to admit my young son to a juvenile mental hospital for over 2 weeks. Raising a child with anxiety has been a struggle - it's a work in progress. To manage it I try to keep improving and educating myself about anxiety. I often don't say or do the "right" things but I certainly learn from each challenging event. I've started to practice yoga which helps center me and give me overall strength. I question whether or not I'm good enough most days. I often feel like I don't fit in any one particular group but sort of "float" around. Having 4 kids gives you the great opportunity to meet many fabulous people but certainly forces you to move from one group to another quickly, not always feeling super connected. I'd tell a 12 year old me to let others help and care about her and to learn from them. I used to live by the "story" that I am solely responsible for other's happiness but my new story is that I am responsible for my own. I feel most alive when I'm outside, being active, breathing in fresh air and away from distractions. Nothing else clears the mind for me as well. Success to me is being at peace with my choices. Beauty is found in acceptance, confidence and embracing the changes & stages that come with age. I wish there was more patience in the world - less urgency. I wish women would judge themselves & others less, especially against modern societies unrealistic norms. I believe in integrity, kindness & self-improvement. I am Colleen and I am proud that I never accept that my story is complete. I know there is always more to be learned, to be experienced and to accomplish.
