A Dream on Pause, Not Forgotten

When I first fell in love with acting, I was all in. I trained at respected studios in Chicago, studied scripts, went to auditions—I was building something real. But then life changed. I became a single mom, and suddenly the spotlight shifted to diapers, doctor’s appointments, and figuring out how to make ends meet.

Acting didn’t disappear from my heart. It just had to wait.

I thought I was putting it on pause for a little while. That “little while” turned into 20 years. But here’s the beautiful part: dreams don’t have expiration dates.

Now, as a wife, a mother of two grown kids, and a woman of faith, I’ve stepped back into the world of acting with more clarity, courage, and purpose than I ever had before.

And if you’re a woman reading this who’s wondering if you can return to your passion after motherhood—my answer is a big, bold yes.

Give Yourself Permission

The first step to reigniting your dream is the hardest: giving yourself permission.

As moms, we’re used to putting ourselves last. We show up for everyone else, often to the point of forgetting who we are outside of “Mom.” But we are still dreamers. We are still artists. We are still us.

When I started to think about returning to acting, guilt crept in. Was it selfish? Was I too old? Had my time passed? I had to quiet those voices and choose grace instead. I reminded myself that pursuing a dream doesn’t take away from my family—it adds to it. My kids don’t need me to be perfect. They need to see me fully alive.

Start Small, Start Somewhere

You don’t have to leap back in with a starring role. I started with updated headshots, reworked my resume, and created profiles on casting sites. I started practicing self-tapes again. I didn’t book anything right away—and that was okay.

Starting small allowed me to build confidence and momentum without overwhelming myself. It reminded me that forward is forward, no matter the pace.

So if you’re thinking of writing again, paint a picture. Take a class. Volunteer at a local theater. Start a blog. Record a song on your phone. Whatever it is—start somewhere.

Your Experience Is Your Strength

Here’s the truth: I’m a better actor now than I ever was in my twenties. Why? Because life has stretched me. Motherhood has taught me patience, emotional depth, and strength I never knew I had. Those are gifts I bring to every audition and every role.

You’re not behind—you’re seasoned.

You have stories to tell, emotions you’ve lived through, and wisdom that no textbook could ever teach. Don’t underestimate the richness you now bring to your craft.

Find Your People

One of the biggest game-changers for me was surrounding myself with encouraging voices. That meant reconnecting with old acting contacts, joining new communities, and leaning on the people who believed in me—especially my husband, who’s been a rock through it all.

Find people who cheer for you. Who challenge you. Who remind you of who you are when you forget.

You need a circle that celebrates your comeback, not questions it.

Don’t Fear the “No”

Here’s the honest part—returning to your dream comes with rejection. I auditioned over 50 times before I booked a single role. It was tough. Discouraging. Humbling.

But each “no” reminded me that I was showing up. I was in the arena. I wasn’t giving up on myself.

Let the rejections teach you, not define you. Every closed door is one step closer to the right one opening.

Keep the Faith

Throughout this whole journey, my faith has been my anchor. I pray before auditions. I trust God’s timing. I believe that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—even when things don’t make sense.

One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”

That promise is for all of us—no matter how long our dreams have been sleeping.

Inspire the Next Generation

One of the unexpected blessings of reigniting my passion has been watching the impact on my children. My daughter, now an adult, started her own nonprofit event supporting survivors of domestic violence. I truly believe she was inspired by watching me serve, lead, and pursue something bigger than myself.

When we chase our dreams, we don’t just light our own path—we shine for those coming behind us.

You’re Not Too Late

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You haven’t missed your chance.

You’re just getting started.

Whether your dream is acting, writing, dancing, starting a business, or something entirely different—trust that it still matters. Dust it off. Hold it close. And take that first step.

Because you deserve to live a life that excites your soul.

And the world? It’s waiting to see what you’ll do next.