Today’s post is courtesy of Yael, one of the 28 authors in the Roar project’s first publication, “Hear Us Roar! 28 Stories of Everyday Women Leading Extraordinary Lives.” While Yael’s original Roar story was placed in the Authenticity chapter of the book, her subsequent blog tells a compelling story of perseverance as well. In fact, most of the 28 Roar stories fit into more than one of the four key themes (Perseverance, Authenticity, Faith, and Generosity) that are the heartbeat of the book. It’s part of what makes them extraordinary.

Here’s Yael’s update and inspiration for today:

In my heart I have always been an entrepreneur. In my mind, I’ve struggled with self doubt, inexperience and lack of education.

When I first submitted my story for “Hear us Roar”, I was riding the wave of living out my life’s dream. As the CEO and operator of my Nanny business I brought in thousands of dollars in profits.  Month after month, I diligently paid bills, ran my business and managed and loved my family. Unbeknownst to me, the bottom was falling out of the economy and my clientele pool dried up along with the profits. I fought as much as I could, but eventually after 11 months of being in business I had to close my doors. Heartbroken and unsure of my next step, I took a job offered to me from a former client, and worked as an assistant in a Day Care / Preschool center.

Three months after working as an Administrative assistant in the daycare, I found out that I was pregnant. Fortunately, my boss was also my friend and she helped me to realize that this was the place I needed to be at this time. I had a place to work and bring my baby. Although I struggled mentally with these changes in my life, CEO to assistant, independent mother to two preteens to mother to a newborn, I finally accepted that my dream was also changing and evolving along with my life.

My daughter is now three months old and my husband, sons and I couldn’t imagine life without her. I am still working at the daycare, but I am also pursuing my certification as a Personal Trainer. As a hobby, I have always embraced physical fitness and I always had people that wanted to work out with me. With the certification, I will soon be able to work legitimately in a field that I love.

By following the road to my dreams I have become happier and more fulfilled that I ever imagined.

Thank you, Yael. May we all have the courage to see the silver lining in every cloud and make way for the possibility that unexpected twists and turns often lead to far greater rewards than we could possibly envision for ourselves.

Here’s what our Early Adopters have to say. Even the men are inspired!

The fact that this book celebrates my mother, sisters, daughters and most of my friends is enough. But beyond that, it is simply a celebration of life – in the face of everyday circumstances. These 28 women are the unsung heroes we all have in our lives but we don’t fully know what they’ve endured. Reading their stories moved me and inspired me to see that there’s always more and I never need give up on my dreams!
I’ve already given Hear Us Roar! away 3 times and plan to continue to do so.

This book, about ordinary women achieving the extra-ordinary, is inspirational! How wonderful that the author put this together and the proceeds support the causes that are near and dear to the women who told their stories. Maybe the little meow inside of me will grow into a roar someday…and if it does, I will have this book and these women to thank.

A friend gave me this book. It’s a book that contains short stories about women overcoming adversity. I was blown away at who these women were and what they accomplished. Truly inspiring.

Take a moment to post your review today, and ask friends and family to do the same. Buzz –> sales –> charitable donations!

WASHINGTON, DC – May 15, 2010 –

The Hear Us Roar! project began in 2008 when a small group of entrepreneurial women in the United States used the power of the Internet to offer an invitation to women around the world: “Tell us in 1200 words or less about a time in your life that you realized you were powerful.” Within four months the team received 84 stories from three continents, of which 28 were chosen for this introductory collection. Each contributing author identified a charity to benefit from proceeds raised by book sales.

Andrea Howe, the catalyst behind “Hear Us Roar!,” was inspired to create the project after “coming out” at the age of 38 as a rape survivor and realizing the healing power of telling her story—for herself and others. Howe also is the creator of a program called Living Out Loud that offers improv comedy workshops to survivors of sexual violence who are ready to laugh again.

“It’s one thing for female celebrities and Fortune 500 executives to use their star power and clout to change the world, but ‘Hear Us Roar!’ is not about them,” says Howe. “This project provides an opportunity for ‘ordinary’ women to share themselves so that other ‘ordinary’ women will catch a glimpse of their own reflection. By buying this book, together we celebrate the strength and power of women across the globe while simultaneously raising money for charity.”

Readers will find hope and inspiration throughout the book’s four key themes:

• The power found in meeting life and its challenges one day, one step at a time;
• The unexpected results of daring to follow your heart;
• The clarity that comes from placing deep trust in yourself or something larger;
• The infinite rewards available by making a difference for others.

“Hear Us Roar! 28 Stories of Everyday Women Leading Extraordinary Lives” can be purchased at www.Hear-Us-Roar.com for $24.95 US.

About Hear Us Roar (www.Hear-Us-Roar.com)

The Hear Us Roar! project provides an opportunity for “ordinary” women, as individuals and as a collective, to share their triumphs and victories with the world. Through the project’s first publication, “Hear Us Roar! 28 Stories of Everyday Women Leading Extraordinary Lives,” 28 women tell their stories and inspire others to roar while raising money for charity. All profits from the sale of the book are contributed to the authors’ charities of choice.

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Contact: Andrea Howe

Email: info@hear-us-roar.com
Phone: 1-800-946-4395

Jaime is from Orlando, FL where she teaches preschool children with special needs. She is also founder/director of An Infinite Mind, a non-profit organization dedicated to education and advocacy for people with dissociative identities.

Through An Infinite Mind, Jaime has had the honor of speaking at major universities throughout her state as well as local and national conferences. She has appeared on local and national radio programs and participates in various community events. Jaime proudly serves on the board of directors for Women Speak Out and acts as an advisory member for Pandora’s Project; which provides support and resources for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

Jaime’s passion comes from the hope that people with DID can find the support and resources they need and will no longer fear the stigma surrounding the disorder.

Website: An Infinite Mind

Email: jaime@aninfinitemind.com

City: Winter park

State: FL

Charity: An Infinite Mind

An Infinite Mind is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to educating the public and professional community about trauma based dissociation with a primary focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder in an effort to dispel the myths and stigmas attached to it.

I live in Salisbury, NC with my husband Greg of 20 years and 3 daughters, Chelsea 19, Savanah 16, and Makenna 3. I am doing what I love most, teaching elementary school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping, church activities, and doing Zumba.

HearUsRoar
I found out about Hear Us Roar through a family friend. She asked me to write about my story and submit it as an entry. I was so excited to be chosen to have my story be a part of this book.

Why did you choose to Roar?
I chose to Roar because I wanted others to see that everyone has to go through valleys to climb a mountain. If I had given up when I was only 16, I would not be the person I am today.

Favorite Quotes
“You do what you gotta do!”
If God brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13

What do you love most about your life?

What I love most about my life is that I have been truly blessed. Starting at a young age, I had to grow up fast. The trials that I have been dealt have only made me a stronger person. I give all my credit to God for giving me strength and patience.

What are your top 3 goals or priorities either personal or professional? How can we help you achieve those goals?

1. I would like to go back to school and get my Master’s degree
2. Write and publish my own book
3. Run a marathon