Meet Jessica Haygood the Author of Dreams and Motherhood in Maricopa

Where do I begin! I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. My family didn’t have much but that didn’t stop me from dreaming big.  I earned a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice in 2010. I moved to Arizona in 2012 because I was offered a job to work at a financial institution. I currently work as a financial crimes specialist for a banking institution.  That sums up my career and professional background.

Now lets fast forward to the fun stuff my dreams..Becoming the author of Dreams and Motherhood.

My journey to writing this book was somewhat unexpected. It has always been a dream of mine to write a book but never did I imagine it would be about motherhood. Being a mom is what motivated me to write this particular book. I have two beautiful kids, a one-year-old and 3-year-old. As you can imagine, I’m pretty occupied. Many people asked me how I managed to write a book with two small kids and a full-time job in corporate america. Well, it all started last year when I realized that I was losing sight of my dreams. Each year, I try to accomplish at least one new goal. Unfortunately, I had become too comfortable with using motherhood as an excuse for not going after my dreams. There is nothing wrong with giving your all to motherhood but I didn’t want to be the parent that lives life through my kids.  So, I decided to free my mind of  negative thoughts and pursue my dreams. God knows my head was filled with self doubt. If you keep telling yourself that you are incapable of achieving your life goals, that will become your reality. I had to change my mindset. I also had to create a peaceful environment for myself. I was able to successfully achieve my goal because I was extremely determined. I figured if I could do it with two small kids anyone could do it. Going after your dreams doesn’t always equate to lack of time or attention towards your kids. However it can result in you not being able to watch your favorite reality tv shows.  I really had to  buckle down and I had to use my time wisely. My objective was to write an inspirational book that offered ways to help moms get in a good mental state to go after their dreams. I purposely made a short simple guide because moms are typically always on the go. Although I wouldn’t mind being on the New York Times bestseller list, my main goal is to inspire moms all over the world to do what they love.

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I had a lot of sleepless nights. I would be doing a disservice to you if I told you it was easy. I had to maintain tunnel vision and that was difficult.

Also, I felt like I did not get the support I anticipated for the book but I quickly realized that anything that comes easy isn’t worth it. If you work hard for something you will appreciate it more. I realize that I have to do a lot of leg work and I’m ready to take on the challenge.

So, I am considered an indie author..I created the book independently.   In the book I discuss four key components that will place moms back on the path to their dreams. To be honest anyone can benefit from the book not just moms. Also,  I have an inspirational blog encouraging moms to do whatever they desire. Because so many women place their dreams on the back burner.  I have limited merchandise available on my site for moms that are actually  living their dreams. I want women to feel confident about themselves. There is this misconception that you can’t be a great mom and pursue your dreams, and that is the furthest thing from the truth in my opinion. I have come across many women that are living their dreams and they are great moms.

The one thing that I am most proud of are the women that have told me that I have inspired them to do what they love. It warms my heart knowing that I can be a breath of fresh air to women. I literally had one mom come to me in tears because she was so touched by the book because for many years she felt like she didn’t count and her dreams were not important. After reading my book she began her journey to pursue her dreams. I enjoy what I do and I have plans to start my own organization for moms.  Also, I have been getting feedback from people encouraging me to get my book in different organizations for women. So that is definitely in the works.  I have so many great things to come in the future.

If I could go back in time to change anything I think I  would have used more resources. Sometimes you make it harder on yourself when you try to do everything on your own.

Also, I wish that I would have started sooner so my late father could witness all the greatness I plan on putting out to the world. I know he would be very proud to know his daughter is doing something positive.