What do you do for a living? 

It’s a question that is asked often but when you truly think about it, it should be “how do you make a living?” or “what supports how you live?” How you live and what you do is reflective of your true life. A new generation of entrepreneurs, especially women, are doing life by living their passion and letting it drive their ultimate purpose. Its not limited to the confines of a corporate office but instead include blogging, vlogging, creating travel experiences or developing programs that empower other women. Side hustles are the new norm.

Social media is a major platform for those who are trying to carve out a different path. There are pages, posts and pictures targeting new audiences, new dreams and new adventures. Everyone is a self-proclaimed marketer taking pointers from personal branding coaches or image consultants. And, frankly- I’m here for it! No, this lifestyle is not reserved just to millennials. Instead, more and more women of all ages and backgrounds are finding out what they’re good at, speaking into it and living through it. I find myself inspired and encouraged to make my mark while supporting other women doing the same.

Gone are the days where its all about climbing the corporate ladder for that ideal title. Here to stay are the days where you ask, “what are you passionate about?” and “how do you plan on making that your ladder to climb?”

Gone are the days where you stay in the same job forever because it’s too late to try something new. Here to stay are the days when employers who look for more diversified resumes so they know you embrace change, explored your personal interests and can offer a unique point of view based on those experiences.

Gone are the days where you feel like you have to sacrifice romantic pursuits or building a family just to have that ideal career. Here to stay are the women who went ahead of us to set examples of what’s its like to build a fulfilling career without sacrificing anything. They manage a home, a unique familial situation, a job and often times more than one extracurricular activity. And they look good while doing it.

The days of old have turned into bright new beginnings of finding how you can use your gift to make an impact. Give your gift legs and walking into your future with new goals, new destinations and new dreams.

Hats off to those who are living their lives and defying cultural norms even though it wasn’t easy. It’s inspiring and encouraging even though no one may say it. Blood, sweat and tears prove that there is no perfect recipe for the definition of success. The one that looks perfect probably has eggshells in the batter and was overcooked on the first two tries.

Your recipe will be different from the next woman but make sure to keep your faith fresh, mix it with courage, continually sprinkle in prayer and add in bits and pieces of humble. Switch it up until you get it right.

Pull on your big girl panties, adjust your bra and go after what’s rightfully yours.