I love that question. It brings to mind ownership, intentionality, a sense of living in the moment, while also inciting broader connection to the past and future.

Why are you here?

I’m here because 7 months after my second son was born, the scale still showed a significantly higher number than I considered my “real weight.”

I’m here because I’ve found it challenging to balance my work, my family, and my own health and wellbeing.

I’m here because I find fulfillment in writing out my thoughts, and especially if they might provide some insight, direction, humor to others.

I’m here because, to be honest, I’m building a side hustle that builds my bank account while allowing me to spend time on the things and people I value.

And I’m here to build community with others who find themselves in a similar position – working moms with a desire to get in shape through running.

Why are you here?

I wouldn’t be here without the support of my husband, who is an avid runner himself. We don’t necessarily run together (he goes to fast – I go too slow), but he provides the structure and inspiration to get moving! And I wouldn’t be here without my neighbor, who had a baby shortly after my second son was born, and who mentioned casually one day that she planned to run a half marathon in September. “Why don’t we try it together,” she asked. And my gears began to turn. And finally, I wouldn’t be here without the inspiration of the side hustle, FIRE gurus of our time:

• Chris Guillabeau, whose Art of Non-Conformity I read nearly 10 years ago, leading me to drive from Monterey to San Francisco during one evening’s trafficky commute, in the pouring rain to catch the end of one of his book your stops, and whose subsequent blogs, podcasts, and books I’ve followed ever since (like Born for This, Side Hustle, and $100 Startup)
• Tim Ferriss, whose 4-Hour Workweek peaked my interest in a side hustle and provided the steps to get moving on it, starting with Root Chocolate and moving on to WorkRunMom.Com.
• Vicki Robin, whose Your Money or Your Life spurred my husband and I into a financial independence retire early plan

So, why are you here?

We are not here merely to make a living. We are here to enrich the world. — Woodrow Wilson