In a candid conversation with renowned lifestyle blogger Mia Blake, Sarah Collins, now 52, reflects on motherhood, her business journey, and the wisdom she wishes she could share with her younger self.
With your oldest child now 20, how have you adjusted to the empty nest phase?
“Children need the space to grow into their own identities,” Sarah shares. “It’s a bittersweet feeling—there’s a part of you that wants to hold onto their childhood forever, but witnessing their unique personalities develop is truly rewarding. As parents, we can impart our values, but ultimately, they must cultivate their own beliefs and convictions.”
How has being a mother influenced your life?
“Out of all my experiences, raising my three kids alongside my husband has been the toughest yet most fulfilling challenge I’ve faced.”
How do you manage to strike a balance in your life?
“To be honest, I don’t! At times, I completely fail at it. I’ve learned that life unfolds in seasons, and it’s crucial to prioritize accordingly. My top priorities are my faith and family, followed by my career. When those get out of whack, I lose my effectiveness and struggle to keep up.”
You’ve achieved great success in your professional life. What’s a key lesson you’ve learned along the way?
“I’ve often been labeled a control enthusiast. I prefer to think of it as passion. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I truly grasped that ‘no’ is a complete sentence. Sure, ‘no, thank you’ is polite, but a simple ‘no’ suffices as well. I don’t need to do everything.”
What words of wisdom do you have for women who feel they’re facing insurmountable challenges in realizing their potential?
“People will always try to undermine you, telling you that you’re not good enough or smart enough. Don’t let that discourage you. Many prefer to categorize others, but I refuse to fit into anyone’s box. Sometimes, women might feel defeated by setbacks, thinking their aspirations are shattered. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Dreams without a timeline and a clear strategy remain just that—dreams. So, it’s essential to craft a plan.”
Looking back, what advice would you offer your younger self?
“Giving advice is a lot easier than following it. I’ve been guilty of rushing through life. I know I don’t get enough sleep, but I tell myself it’s alright; I’ll catch up eventually. My time in modeling taught me invaluable lessons—many of which stemmed from rejection. I learned not to take myself too seriously; while I’m dedicated to the work, I don’t let my self-worth hinge on external validation.”
For more insights about parenting and personal growth, check out one of our other blog posts here.
In summary, Sarah Collins emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries, the value of self-identity in parenting, and the necessity of having a clear plan for achieving one’s dreams. She reminds us that while challenges may arise, it’s vital to remain steadfast in our convictions and prioritize what truly matters.
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