I remember the moment well – when I was told that my dreams didn’t have a chance of becoming reality. It was enough for me to take a deep breath and back slowly away from what I most wanted to do, what I truly believed I was capable of doing.
It is painful to be told you aren’t good enough, that your ideas, your visions and dreams aren’t worthy of being chased.
For so many of us, those words and that rejection leave us floundering – stagnant in a place we don’t deserve to be.
But sometimes, when the quiet settles…when you listen to your own heart, when you trust the right people to keep you centered, you can see how the pain of rejection, failure and self-doubt – and yes, sometimes even the physical pain of trauma – are capable of pushing you forward instead of down.
I believe the answer is a strong yes.
This video is my story.
For more inspiring stories of Women in Progress (just like you and me) please visit their YoutTube page or follow the conversation with #WomanInProgress.
I have received information about #WomanInProgress from the makers of MOTRIN®. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post.
amandamagee says
I adore you. All the parts of you, all the rhythms.
Danielle Smith says
I can always count on you to make me feel stronger than I am. Grateful for you. xo
Complicated Mama says
Love this post, Danielle! It’s true that we need to trust our own hearts and surround ourselves with the right people. So many of us need this reminder from time to time.
Danielle Smith says
I am so grateful for you, my friend. Thank you. I so agree with you – surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial – and YES – as hard as it sometimes feels – trusting ourselves matters.
Melissa Chapman says
What I love about this post is that it reminds us that we are literally all works in progress and I often times working through our pain is what helps to catapult us into the direction we need to go. You are certainly pretty extraordinary to me.
Danielle Smith says
YES! We ARE all a work in progress – constantly evolving, trying to improve on the previous version of ourselves. Thank you for ‘getting me’ – I’m grateful xo
Jo-Lynne Shane says
Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road, but as my mom always said, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Haha! I am so glad being entrepreneurs led us to meet that night looong ago in Nashville. Who knew!?! We have come a long way since then, haven’t we? 🙂
What a smart campaign on behalf of Motrin. I try not to take meds very often, but when you need it, you need it. Motrin has gotten me thru many a rough spot, and I’m grateful for it. Yes, I am definitely a work in progress, but thank goodness for progress.
Danielle Smith says
Your mom is one smart woman – it isn’t easy, but I LOVE that not everyone is taking this path. I AM glad you were one of the very first people I met – I’m grateful for your friendship and I so love to watch you continue to evolve and succeed.
Jo-Lynne Shane says
Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road, but as my mom always said, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Haha! I am so glad being entrepreneurs led us to meet that night looong ago in Nashville. Who knew!?! We have come a long way since then, haven’t we? 🙂
What a smart campaign on behalf of Motrin. I try not to take meds very often, but when you need it, you need it. Motrin has gotten me thru many a rough spot, and I’m grateful for it. Yes, I am definitely a work in progress, but thank goodness for progress.
Danielle Smith says
Your mom is one smart woman – it isn’t easy, but I LOVE that not everyone is taking this path. I AM glad you were one of the very first people I met – I’m grateful for your friendship and I so love to watch you continue to evolve and succeed.
Kristin Swenson says
I love this mission…We all have pain in our past, but to be able to pivot and learn from it is priceless!
Danielle Smith says
I so agree. It definitely isn’t easy – but change never is 🙂
DawnS says
Great video Danielle, very powerful. So happy that you made the pivot from your pain and rejection, you are a light in this space online that we all share.
Danielle Smith says
Oh friend – you just made me tear up. Thank you so very much for this. I’m beyond grateful to have people like you in my world to support and inspire me. xo
DawnS says
Great video Danielle, very powerful. So happy that you made the pivot from your pain and rejection, you are a light in this space online that we all share.
Danielle Smith says
Oh friend – you just made me tear up. Thank you so very much for this. I’m beyond grateful to have people like you in my world to support and inspire me. xo
Shannon Stilwell says
I didn’t realize you had been in a serious car accident. I look up to you! You are so encouraging and the kind of mom and person I aim to be.
Danielle Smith says
Oh Shannon – I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for this – I cannot tell you how much it means. Thank you for being here.
Danielle Smith says
Oh Shannon – I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for this – I cannot tell you how much it means. Thank you for being here.
Molly Gold says
Life is so completely about the journey with chapters that can be book ended but the library of experiences infinite. I love the you are a #womaninprogress as are we all =) Great post and video friend!
Danielle Smith says
What a beautiful sentiment, my friend. Thank you for your lovely words and for taking the time to watch.
Molly Gold says
Life is so completely about the journey with chapters that can be book ended but the library of experiences infinite. I love the you are a #womaninprogress as are we all =) Great post and video friend!
Danielle Smith says
What a beautiful sentiment, my friend. Thank you for your lovely words and for taking the time to watch.
Kristin Swenson says
I love this mission…We all have pain in our past, but to be able to pivot and learn from it is priceless!
Danielle Smith says
I so agree. It definitely isn’t easy – but change never is 🙂
Jodi Grundig says
I love this campaign – and dealing with pain and then coming back even stronger is such a beautiful thing.
Danielle Smith says
So appreciate you, my friend. Thank you.
Jodi Grundig says
I love this campaign – and dealing with pain and then coming back even stronger is such a beautiful thing.
Susan (5 Minutes For Mom) says
What a phenomenal journey you’ve taken. You’re truly an inspiration to me and you deserve all your success.
Danielle Smith says
Oh friend – thank you so very much. I’m so grateful to have friends like you in this space to inspire me and support me. xoxo
Laura O in AK says
I have days when I feel like my 2 steps forward lead to 10 steps back. So, I try to keep my eye on the ultimate goal of life for me instead.
And the day I am no longer a work in progress is the day I no longer take a breath.
Danielle Smith says
I get everything about this. ‘Work-in-Progress’ – that is how I always see myself. That means there is always room for improvement, yes?
amy mascott | @teachmama says
OH DANIELLE!! This is SUCH an inspiring testimonial. I think the more we talk about us ALL being works in progress, the better, especially if these conversations are shared with our own children. I heard someone say once that the question for our children shouldn’t be ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ but ‘HOW do you want to be WHILE you grown up’ — and I love that. I love that the idea is more about character building than focusing on an end point. So you’re a doctor/teacher/lawyer . . . now what? It’s the idea of constantly being a work in progress, always learning, always growing.
Being an entrepreneur is NOT EASY, but it’s much more manageable, fun, and uplifting when you surround yourself with a positive tribe! So glad you’re part of mine.
xo
Danielle Smith says
My friend. You are truly a treasure. I LOVE the question, ‘HOW do you want to be WHILE you grown up’ – we are raising small people who need to know they will always be growing. I cannot thank you enough for being such an amazing friend and inspiration to me.
Danielle Smith says
My friend. You are truly a treasure. I LOVE the question, ‘HOW do you want to be WHILE you grown up’ – we are raising small people who need to know they will always be growing. I cannot thank you enough for being such an amazing friend and inspiration to me.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I have to check out that YouTube channel! So many of us have stories of one form of pain or another, and I love that there is a place to go to turn that pain into something that can help lift us up instead of drag us down.
Sarah Bailey says
At 17 someone asked me how does it feel to be on the scrap heap already, that always stayed with me, yes I had my health issues while multiplied as the years went by, by now I run my own business from my bed in my PJs if need be but still I earn my own money something that some thought I would never do.
Sara LaFountain says
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I know so many women who have turned their pain into progress. Women need to stay strong when faced with adversity.
Danielle Smith says
Thank you for being here, Sara. Like you, I know so many women who have used a painful moment in live to push themselves forward.
Ruth I. says
What an inspiring post Danielle, I’m inspired with your story. I learned that I have to trust and
believe in myself no matter what. Thank you!
Danielle Smith says
What a beautiful thing to say, Ruth. Thank you very much.
Kathy says
I loved watching the video. So much inspiration! I think it’s always so important to never give up on those dreams.
Danielle Smith says
Oh Kathy – thank you so much for watching the video. It means so much to me. I’m going to keep chasing those dreams. Hope you do as well.
Up Run for Life Healthy Lifestyle Blog says
Pain, where do I begin. In 2012, my back pain got so bad that I could no longer do my job. I tried finding alternative jobs but I was forced out of the workforce. I picked up blogging to help me channel my back pain into something good. Blogging is my creative outlet and allows me to take the focus off myself for a few minutes so that I can help others. Fast forward to December 2015, I ended up having back surgery two days before Christmas. It was supposed to help fix my back pain so that I could return to the workforce. However, my body had other plans. The surgery triggered rheumatoid arthritis and my back surgery didn’t fix my pain. It is actually worse now.
Danielle Smith says
oh my friend – I m so very sorry to hear this. Is your pain still worse at this moment? I can’t begin to advise you medically, but I’m here to talk. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia when I was 18, so I understand chronic pain…. I’m here.
Louise Bishop says
I think all of us have a turning point in our lives. I often find those who don’t, eventually do. It’s a wake up call.
Danielle Smith says
I agree with you – so many o f us have these ‘moments’ that shape us.
Sheena Tatum says
You know, I haven’t gotten brave enough yet to share my story. However, I know what you mean about that moment of pain that changed things.
Danielle Smith says
Friend – I’ve feel as though we have known each other in this space for quite some time. You are brave regularly. I’m here if ever you need an ear to share your story – I think you know I will support you and cheer you on.
Wendy Polisi says
Being an entrepreneur is anything but sunshine and roses. As you said, it’s a very difficult road but worth it!
Danielle Smith says
You are so right. I had a friend remind me recently – if it was easy, everyone would do it.
Marielle Altenor says
Motrin is usually my first choice when I’m having physical pain. The only time I’ve used my pain to fuel and accomplish something would have to be when I gave birth! Knowing that the pain will soon end if I just keep pushing really made me want to keep pushing lol Not sure that’s really what you had in mind there!
Danielle Smith says
Oh my friend – I GET you. I think giving birth is a magical, but transformative time. I’m grateful I had it, but it isn’t a pain I want to relive again and again (at least not at this stage).
Tim B says
An impressive campaign by Motrin. Like the connection between the pain relief the medicine provides and the pharmaceutical company supporting overcoming the pains many women entrepreneurs face.
Lynndee says
I think the painful experiences we go through is what makes us a stronger person. I have my own share of those painful moments, but I am not what I am now if not for those.
Alyssa C says
An absolute inspiring post Danielle! I’ve been down on myself and I really needed this post today, so thank you for sharing.
Adaleta Avdić says
It really is the pain that we fight through and overcome that builds us to be stronger and driven towards where we want to be.
Terri Beavers says
So thankful for your testimony. Most people would just give up. I believe attitude has a lot to do with going forward.