I remember vividly, although it was about 13 and a half years ago, being on fire about 4 months after giving birth to my first child.  It was likely the hormones or who knows what else, but it was a lethal force.  My brain was literally on fire and there was no stopping it.  My creative juices frothing they were so excited.  All that passion and energy need to be satiated and it was.  I realize I was very lucky to have nourished this desire by wading into the world of entrepreneurism.  It’s funny because I would never have ever considered myself entrepreneur material.  But there I was hauling a 5 month-old car seat and all into meetings and make presentations while he slept who watched quietly as his crazy mother did what she had to do!!

I wouldn’t change a thing.

The force apparently is striking more and more people, women especially, and mothers in particular.  That force is the desire to start a business — for monetary gain and likely also for balance and sanity-achievement.

According to the most recent statistics available, there are currently 1 million women in Canada who are self-employed.  They contribute some $19-million to the economy annually.  Impressive, staggering, uplifting and absolutely inspirational.  I would also bet the farm that most of these women entrepreneurs have never worked harder in their lives.

Entrepreneurism is the ultimate in freedom – creative freedom, the freedom to do what you want when you want.  It’s also, and this is what I love about it most — the ability not only to craft ideas but to execute on them.  Move them forward to fruition in a timely fashion.

It means so many different things to each and every person with the courage to run their own business.  It changes how you view yourself, the world, your family, your surroundings.  It’s not all positive but it is so richly rewarding.

For parents it’s the ability to retain some semblance of sanity in an otherwise busy, crazy world.  Some days that is more easily achieved than others.

Entrepreneurism and parent-preneurs in particular are courageous people.  It is not for the faint of heart.

I’m off to the Women in Biz conference in Toronto where I will likely meet more inspirational, brave moms and small-business owners who will continue to stoke my entrepreneurial fire.

A video report on some of these great women – coming up later today!  Watch for it!