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Dream Big
Mamas are known for cheering on their children, their husbands, their friends. But when was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back? Put yourself in the spotlight with women who can appreciate the joy of what you've done whether you completed a marathon, lost 20 pounds, or just cleaned out that scary garage.
Tell us about it!
Featured Mama The Science of Dreaming
As a neuroscience graduate student Avis decided that the growth of her family would help form her professional career. She how she strives to stay sharp and achieve a good balance between work and life in our latest Dream Big.
City / State: Redwood City, CA City / State: Los Angeles, CA What was your big dream?: My dream has been evolving: When I was a kid, I either wanted to be a chef, a hairdresser or a veterinarian. Somewhere along the line, I decided that neuroscience was a better fit and went off to graduate school to study the brain. Through school, I never had an absolute picture of my ideal career- I just knew I wanted to stay intellectually active in a field that didn’t preclude having (adequate time for) a family. I now have a brand new career and a one-year-old daughter. My BIG dream is to be active in the development of both, and perhaps sneak in some exercise and a date with my husband. What was your big dream?: My big dream to write a book and get published…but not just any book—a book that would help parents, have sound advice, and promote protecting (empowering and honoring) children. How did you accomplish it?: Setting priorities has been critical. I met my husband very early in my graduate training and together we developed career and family goals that made sense for us. We made the decision not to “wait” to start a family, but to instead allow the growth of our family to inform our professional paths. I finished my research while pregnant and managed to write my dissertation as a new, exhausted mom (thanks, in large part, to my mom, who flew across the country to help me!). Upon becoming a parent, I realized the real value of my time. Much to my surprise, I found myself more decisive, efficient and goal-oriented in my approach to work. Although through school I felt very “open” to career choices, upon becoming a mom, I realized the niche that fit the best for me and my family and I went after it aggressively. My current accomplishment of the career-family balance is a work in progress. Everyday I learn how to use my time more efficiently- how to ask for help, how to say no, and how to let things go and make the most of my time with my daughter and husband. How did you accomplish it?: First I went to the bookstore and perused every book about “How to Get Published.” I spoke with every person I knew who ever wrote a book and then just started writing….and haven’t stopped since. Where did you find inspiration to get started?: My confidence to make it all work evolved from watching my own mother achieve the work-family balance. My mom was essentially a single parent who ran a successful business and always put me first. In my own life that just seems like the only way. There is also an element of necessity, both for our family finances and for my own sanity. Fantastic daycare options really help, and a supportive husband is essential. It’s only been a few months in my new career path, but so far, the adjustment has been as exciting as it is exhausting. Where did you find inspiration to get started?: My first inspiration to write a book came while I was getting a massage in Sedona, Arizona. I was lying down thinking that the best way to have a living legacy for my daughter, her children, and her children’s children was to be in the Library of Congress. And since, my dad was an only child and he had 2 daughters the only way I could pass on my “family” last name in perpetuity was to get published so I would forever be in the Library of congress.
What motivated you to keep going?: The necessity to have an income, the desire to stay sharp, weekends (!) and ultimately, the desire to instill in my daughter a sense that a demanding, fulfilling career does not have to be at the expense of quality time with family and friends. What motivated you to keep going?: My husband and children’s love, support, and words of encouragement and the deadlines!!!! What's your next Big Dream?: A family vacation and the NYC marathon! What's your next Big Dream?: My next Big Dream is to either be a host or have my own television show. Who is your hero?: The person who invented the baby bjorn. Who is your hero?: Madonna. I think she is an example of a mom who can constantly reinvent herself. She is amazing at whatever she sets her mind to. And her most heroic quality is that she doesn’t care what people think about her. What do you wish you did better?: Operate on very little sleep. What do you wish you did better?: I wish I could sing. And I also wish I was better I saying “no.” What book is on your night stand?: Dreams from My Father, Cookie magazine. What book is on your night stand?: I have a stack of books that I am reviewing for fellow authors. All crime stories. What is your favorite lipstick?: Burts Lipstain is in my bag, and I just discovered Palmer’s chocolate mint coca-butter lipbalm- yummy! What is your favorite lipstick?: I like plain clear gloss. What is your favorite quote?: I use way too many clichés, and I’m trying to be better about that. I don’t really have any go-to quotes. I guess for inspiration, I prefer pictures (or youtube videos!) to quotes- and my “favorite” changes on a regular basis. |
