What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day, and whatever you do, don’t let anybody steal your joy! Welcome back to Maryam’s Joyful Life. It is a beautiful day, and I am super excited to be here with you today for a little honest heart-to-heart.
Today, I want to share a moment of personal reflection about my character, patience, and how easy it is to let frustration get the best of us if we aren't watchful.
The Pre-K Pickup Routine
If you are a parent, you know the drill with school drop-offs and dismissals. At my kids' school, I pick them up through the Pre-K dismissal lane during the late pickup window. The rule is simple: you have to be in line by 3:30 PM. If you aren't there by then, the office calls your phone at 3:45 PM, and you have to park, walk inside, and sign all the paperwork to sign them out.
I understand the system and respect the rules. So far, I’ve only been late once—and that was because I got delayed while getting new tires installed on my truck. It took longer than expected, and even though I rushed over, it hit 3:45 PM, so I parked, went inside, signed them out, and took my babies home. No problem.
Because I don't like being inconvenienced or having to park and sign out, I make a conscious effort to arrive early every single day. Usually, the staff has the kids walking out right around 3:27 PM, and I'm sitting right there waiting for them to hop in.
The Moment the Fire Rose
The other day, I drove the car over early, expecting everything to run like clockwork.
3:27 PM came and went—no kids.
3:28 PM, the staff walked inside.
3:29 PM rolled around, and people were just looking at me.
By 3:31 PM, nothing was moving.
Suddenly, a wave of intense frustration washed over me. In my mind, I started calculating: If I had been late by even one minute, I’d be forced to go inside, do paperwork, and jump through hoops. But when I show up early, I’m left sitting here waiting!
Before I knew it, I hopped out of the car, marched straight up to the entrance door, knocked, and blurted out, "Where are my kids?"
Right as I knocked and the door opened, the staff was already leading the kids out. But inside, I felt like I was breathing smoke and fire. I was ready to argue. My face probably looked like pure thunder.
Looking in the Mirror: Choosing Grace Over Rage
I got back into the car with the kids, buckled everyone in, and took a deep breath. As the adrenaline cooled down, I looked in the mirror and had an honest conversation with myself:
Could I have been more patient? Just a little bit more patient to see what was happening instead of charging up to the door demandingly?
The truth was: Yes, I could have.
Two or three minutes of delay wasn't going to ruin my life, but charging up with anger could have easily ruined someone else's entire workday. Those teachers and staff members are working hard, managing countless children, and doing their best.
Our reactions have power. In any given moment, the energy we bring can either make someone’s day better or make it significantly worse.
Moving Forward With Intention
Starting today, I’m holding myself to a higher standard of grace:
Give grace for delays: If dismissal is running behind, pause, breathe, and extend the benefit of the doubt.
Watch the tone: If I ever need to step up to the door to ask a question, I will do it with calm words, a warm smile, and patience.
Guard your character: Never let an inconvenience turn you into someone you don't want to be.
Let’s choose kindness, even in uncomfortable and frustrating situations. Character isn't proven when everything goes smoothly—it’s proven in how we respond when things get delayed.
Have an amazing day, keep walking in love, and never let anyone steal your joy!
Need guidance on buying or selling a home in the Permian Basin, or ready to book your next dream vacation? Call or text me at 470-765-2745!
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you still choose your joy. Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife!
Today, I want to talk about something that really sparked my thoughts. Someone asked me why they should take their relationship with God seriously when they see people like me who have a nose ring.
My response is simple: your relationship with God has nothing to do with me.
If you want to get closer to God and have a relationship with Him, that decision belongs to you. You are a grown adult, and you get to make your own decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions.
We have to stop outsourcing our happiness, peace, and decisions to other people. Nobody is obligated to change themselves to make you happy. You cannot control how other people act, but you can control yourself.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. That is why I will continue praying, studying, meditating, seeking God, and keeping my heart right.
Your faith should not depend on whether another person looks, acts, or lives the way you think a Christian should. Sometimes God can even use someone you don't expect to teach you something you need to hear.
Don't allow your feelings toward another person to cause you to miss what God is trying to show you.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
God sees your heart. He knows you completely. Your relationship with Him is personal, and you have to choose to seek Him for yourself.
Don't take the opinion of man as the final say. With God, all things are possible.
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you still choose your joy. Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife!
Today, I want to talk about something that really sparked my thoughts. Someone asked me why they should take their relationship with God seriously when they see people like me who have a nose ring.
My response is simple: your relationship with God has nothing to do with me.
If you want to get closer to God and have a relationship with Him, that decision belongs to you. You are a grown adult, and you get to make your own decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions.
We have to stop outsourcing our happiness, peace, and decisions to other people. Nobody is obligated to change themselves to make you happy. You cannot control how other people act, but you can control yourself.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. That is why I will continue praying, studying, meditating, seeking God, and keeping my heart right.
Your faith should not depend on whether another person looks, acts, or lives the way you think a Christian should. Sometimes God can even use someone you don't expect to teach you something you need to hear.
Don't allow your feelings toward another person to cause you to miss what God is trying to show you.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
God sees your heart. He knows you completely. Your relationship with Him is personal, and you have to choose to seek Him for yourself.
Don't take the opinion of man as the final say. With God, all things are possible.
Starting From the Ground Up: Keep Going and Let God Guide You
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you still choose your joy.
Today, I want to talk about what it feels like to start from scratch—to start from the ground up.
I'm currently building my real estate business from the ground up as a Texas Realtor. And let me tell you, it's not always fun. It's exciting to have the business idea and know what you want to do, but actually building the business takes work, commitment, courage, and consistency.
Today, I took my business cards and went door to door to different businesses, introducing myself and letting people know that I'm a Realtor and that I can help with buying, selling, and leasing. I was proud of myself because it wasn't necessarily easy, but I knew I had to put myself out there.
I've built businesses before, including my travel business, so I know that sometimes you simply have to put your name out there and get the word out.
And that's what I want to encourage you to do if you're starting fresh. Don't be afraid to tell people about your business. People have to know who you are and what you do before they can use your services.
It's going to be uncomfortable in the beginning. That's normal. You have to get the reps in. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become.
While you're building, you have to build courage—the courage to keep going, keep pushing, and keep showing up.
Most importantly, pray and let God guide you. I know God has a plan, and I'm going to do my part and let God take care of the rest.
If you're starting something new, keep going. You may be starting from the ground up, but you don't have to build alone.
Watch the full video here:
Do you need a travel advisore that has your back? Let me help!
Starting From Scratch: Building With Faith and Courage
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! I hope you're having an amazing day and, most importantly, still choosing your joy.
Have you ever had to start from scratch? To build something from the ground up? That's where I am right now with my real estate business.
Starting a business sounds exciting when it's just an idea, but turning that idea into something real takes work, consistency, courage, and commitment. Recently, I stepped outside my comfort zone and went from business to business handing out my cards and introducing myself as a Texas Realtor. It wasn't necessarily easy, but I was proud of myself for taking action.
I've learned that people can't support what they don't know exists. Sometimes you have to put yourself out there, tell people what you do, and keep showing up—even when things feel uncomfortable.
And I'm trusting God through this entire process. I know I have a part to play, but I also know that God has a plan. My job is to take action, stay faithful, and let Him take care of the rest.
If you're starting something new, don't be afraid to begin at the bottom. Keep going. Keep putting in the reps. Build your courage and keep moving forward.
And remember: starting from scratch doesn't mean starting without purpose.
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! Welcome back to Maryam's Joyful Life!
Today, I want to share something I've been learning while doing what I do every day—cooking for my family, taking care of my children, working on my businesses, and trying to accomplish my goals.
Sometimes life can feel like a juggling act. One minute I'm making homemade chili for the family, the next I'm helping a travel client with a reservation, feeding the baby, and trying to get my own work done. Being a mom and running businesses isn't always easy!
But somewhere in the middle of all that doing, God has been teaching me something important: I don't have to depend on my own effort for everything to work out.
I'm naturally a go-getter. When I have a goal, I want to work hard and make it happen. But when we become consumed with our goals and results, disappointment can hit hard when things don't go according to plan.
Watch the Video here:
I've learned that sometimes we can become so focused on achieving that we lose our peace—and unfortunately, we can even take our frustration out on people who didn't cause it.
God keeps bringing me back to Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I'm learning to work, but also to surrender. To have goals, but allow God to lead me. To do my part without believing everything depends on me.
I've seen God do amazing things in my life, and some of those blessings came when I stopped striving, surrendered, and allowed His peace to lead me.
Maybe you need that reminder today too: You can work hard without carrying everything. Trust God. Surrender. Stay aligned. And let His peace lead you.
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! Welcome back to Maryam's Joyful Life.
Today I want to talk about something I've been intentionally working on: boundaries.
Recently, I had an interaction with someone who had crossed my boundaries in the past. This time, something was different. I had already made up my mind that I would stay focused, keep the conversation respectful and short, and not allow myself to be pulled into anything beyond the purpose of the conversation.
Watch the video here:
And you know what? I did it!
I helped when help was needed, communicated what I needed to communicate, and when the conversation was finished, I simply said goodbye and ended the call. I didn't stay around waiting for something else to happen. I didn't over-explain myself. I didn't allow old dynamics to pull me back into being the person I used to be.
That really opened my eyes.
Sometimes people remember the younger version of you and continue treating you like that child. But you're not that child anymore. You've grown. You've learned. You've built a life. You have responsibilities, dreams, businesses, families, and goals.
You are allowed to change how people access you.
I've learned that boundaries aren't walls that completely shut everyone out. Boundaries are doors. You decide when the door opens and when it closes.
If someone respects you, loves you, and treats you well, you can open the door. If someone continually disrespects you or makes you feel small, you have every right to close it.
Protecting your peace isn't being mean. Respecting yourself isn't selfish.
Today, I want to remind you: you are worthy, you are valuable, and nobody has the right to steal your joy.
Draw your line. Respect yourself. And don't be afraid to close the door when necessary.
Why I Became a Texas Realtor: Faith, Grit, and a New Beginning
What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! Welcome back to Maryam’s Joy for Life!
Have you ever had someone say something that planted an idea in your heart—and before you knew it, you were pursuing it? That’s exactly how my real estate journey began.
Earlier in 2026, my sweet man told me, “Babe, I think you’d make a really good real estate agent.” I didn’t argue. I simply said, “Why not?” I started researching the requirements, completed my coursework, studied hard, and eventually passed my Georgia real estate exam.
But my journey didn’t stop there.
Watch the full video here:
When our family moved from Georgia to Texas, I knew I wanted to continue my real estate career. Texas had its own requirements, so I started all over again—this time completing 180 hours of coursework and preparing for the Texas licensing exam.
It took faith, discipline, and a whole lot of studying! I learned an important lesson along the way: prayer and action go hand in hand. I prayed, but I also opened those books and did the work.
And yes, I failed an exam along the way. I missed passing by just four points. Instead of quitting, I studied again, slowed down, stayed focused, and passed the next time.
Today, I’m a Texas Realtor, and I’m incredibly grateful for this new chapter.
Why real estate? Because I love helping people find places where they can build memories, create stability, grow their businesses, and experience the joy of having a place they can call their own.
Real estate isn’t just about houses to me. It’s about people, community, opportunity, and service.
I’m excited about what God has ahead, and I know the best is yet to come.
If I can do it, so can you. Whatever goal is on your heart, pray about it, work for it, stay committed, and don’t give up.
Stop Chasing People Who Walked Away: Focus on You and Heal
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?
How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day, and I hope you've decided to still choose joy.
Welcome back to Maryams Joyful Life!
Today, I want to talk about something that I have personally experienced: trying to hold on to people who have already decided to walk away.
And let me tell you something: I've been there.
I've gotten that low.
I've chased after people who had already made their decision. I've spent energy trying to understand what someone was doing, thinking, saying, or feeling when I should have been focusing on myself.
And honestly?
It sucked.
But I learned from it.
And because I learned from it, I want to encourage someone else who may be going through the same thing.
If someone has walked away from you intentionally, lied about you, hurt you, betrayed you, or made it clear that they no longer want to be part of your life, please don't spend your life chasing them.
Let them go.
Watch the video here:
Enough Is Enough
Sometimes we have to look at ourselves and say, "Enough is enough."
Why are you chasing somebody who walked away from you?
Why are you constantly checking their social media?
Why are you asking mutual friends what they're doing?
Why are you trying to figure out whether they miss you?
Why are you trying to get them back into your life when they have already chosen to leave?
Sis, don't do that.
I know it can be difficult because emotions are real. When you have invested time, love, energy, dreams, and memories into a relationship, walking away can feel like you're losing a part of yourself.
But sometimes walking away is exactly how you find yourself again.
When you continue to hold on to something that is already broken, you don't create peace. You create more confusion.
And the energy you're spending tracking someone else could be energy you're investing into your own future.
Think about what you could accomplish if you redirected all that energy.
You could look for a better job.
You could start exercising.
You could take better care of yourself.
You could learn a new skill.
You could start a business.
You could read books.
You could spend more quality time with your children.
You could dream again.
You could become the person you were meant to become.
There Is a Reason They Became Your Ex
One thing we sometimes forget is that there is usually a reason a relationship ends.
Of course, every situation is different. But if you're honest with yourself, you probably know there were things in that relationship that weren't working.
There were things that hurt.
There were arguments.
There may have been disrespect, disappointment, instability, betrayal, or simply a lack of peace.
Yet sometimes, after the relationship ends, we remember only the good moments.
We start romanticizing the past.
We convince ourselves that maybe it wasn't that bad.
We begin thinking, "Maybe I should call them."
"Maybe I should check on them."
"Maybe they have changed."
"Maybe they miss me."
And before we know it, we're emotionally entangled all over again.
But sometimes God is trying to tell you:
Let it go.
Move forward.
You don't have to keep trying to fix something that is no longer yours to fix.
Stop Giving Your Peace Away
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you cannot have peace while constantly worrying about what another person is doing.
If you're always wondering who they're with, where they're going, what they're saying, whether they're thinking about you, or whether they're happier without you, you're giving that person control over your emotions.
They're living their life.
And you're sitting there watching.
That's not peace.
That's emotional exhaustion.
The more you track somebody, the more consumed you become with somebody else's life.
And meanwhile, your own life is waiting for you.
Your goals are waiting.
Your dreams are waiting.
Your children need you.
Your health needs you.
Your future needs you.
You need you.
So shift your focus.
Heal Instead of Replacing Them
And I'm going to say something else that I think is very important.
Don't rush into another relationship just because you're lonely.
Don't immediately find another person to fill the empty space.
You need time to heal.
Sometimes we jump from one relationship to another because we don't want to sit with ourselves.
But if you haven't healed from the last relationship, you may carry those wounds directly into the next one.
You may attract the same patterns in a different person.
You may tolerate the same behavior because it feels familiar.
So instead of rushing into somebody else's arms, take some time to become whole.
Just shut up and heal.
Heal your heart.
Heal your mind.
Heal your confidence.
Heal your finances.
Heal your relationship with yourself.
Heal your relationship with God.
Give yourself permission to become better.
Focus on Becoming Better
When I was going through my own situation, one of the things I wanted was money.
The relationship had created financial problems for me, and I knew I needed to become more stable.
So instead of continuing to spend all my energy worrying about the other person, I had to start thinking about what I wanted for myself.
Sometimes the wrong environment can affect your growth.
When you're constantly dealing with emotional ups and downs, drama, negativity, and uncertainty, it becomes difficult to concentrate on building your future.
Your mind is always somewhere else.
You can't focus.
You can't think clearly.
You're constantly reacting instead of creating.
And eventually, you have to ask yourself:
Is this relationship helping me grow, or is it keeping me stuck?
That question can change everything.
Start Taking Care of Yourself
If you're trying to move on, start taking care of yourself.
Go to the gym.
Take walks.
Get outside.
Watch what you eat.
Get enough rest.
Read books that develop your mind.
Learn something new.
Try a new recipe.
Find a hobby.
Change your wardrobe.
Get your hair done.
Buy yourself something nice.
Take yourself out on a date.
You don't need someone else to validate your worth.
Learn to enjoy your own company.
There is something powerful about being comfortable with yourself.
You don't have to constantly have somebody beside you to prove that you're loved.
You are still valuable when you're alone.
You are still beautiful when you're alone.
You are still worthy when someone chooses not to stay.
And please remember this:
Peace looks good on you.
Joy looks good on you.
Healing looks good on you.
Dream Again
One of the things I want you to do after a breakup or difficult relationship is dream again.
Maybe you've forgotten what you wanted because you spent so much time building your life around another person.
Now it's time to remember.
What did you want before that relationship?
What business did you want to start?
Where did you want to travel?
What career did you want?
What kind of home did you want?
What did you want your finances to look like?
What did you want your life to feel like?
Write those things down.
Create goals.
Read your goals every day.
Visualize yourself accomplishing them.
And then take action.
Maybe you want to become a real estate agent.
Maybe you want to start a business.
Maybe you want to become a travel advisor.
Maybe you want to start creating content.
Maybe you want to go back to school.
Maybe you want to learn something you've always been afraid to learn.
Do it.
Don't worry about who is watching.
Don't worry about who is laughing.
Don't worry about who is talking about you.
That's none of your business.
Your responsibility is to focus on where you're going.
You Are Not Running Out of Options
Sometimes heartbreak makes us believe that the person we lost was the only person in the world.
They're not.
There are other people in this world.
There are other friendships.
There are other opportunities.
There are other possibilities.
There is still life after that relationship.
There is still joy after that disappointment.
There is still success after that failure.
There is still love after heartbreak.
But you can't experience what's next if you're constantly reaching backward.
You cannot move forward while continuously looking behind you.
At some point, you have to say:
"I'm choosing me."
Not because you're bitter.
Not because you hate the other person.
Not because you want revenge.
But because you finally understand that your life is too valuable to spend chasing someone who doesn't want to walk alongside you.
Let Go and Give Yourself Permission to Live
If they walked away, let them walk.
If they chose someone else, let them choose.
If they lied about you, let the truth speak for itself.
If they don't want to communicate with you, stop forcing communication.
If checking their social media keeps hurting you, block them.
If mutual friends keep bringing information about them into your life, create boundaries.
Protect your peace.
You don't have to know everything.
You don't have to know what they're doing.
You don't have to know whether they miss you.
You don't have to know who they're dating.
You don't have to know whether they regret losing you.
Your job is not to monitor their life.
Your job is to live yours.
Take your children out.
Have fun.
Go for a run.
Start that business.
Create the content.
Apply for the job.
Read the book.
Travel.
Laugh.
Pray.
Dream.
Heal.
And most importantly, give yourself permission to become happy again.
Your Best Days Can Still Be Ahead
I know letting go isn't always easy.
Sometimes you have to let go a little bit at a time.
Some days you may feel strong, and other days you may miss the person.
That's okay.
Healing isn't about pretending you never cared.
It's about learning that caring about someone doesn't mean you have to continue giving them access to your life.
You can forgive someone and still move forward.
You can love someone from a distance.
You can appreciate the memories without returning to the same situation.
You can acknowledge what happened without allowing it to define your future.
So if you're reading this today and you're chasing somebody who has already walked away, I want you to stop for a moment.
Take a deep breath.
Look at your life.
Look at your goals.
Look at your children, your future, your dreams, and everything that is still possible for you.
Then ask yourself:
"What would happen if I took all the energy I've been using to chase them and poured it back into myself?"
Imagine that.
Your life could change.
So, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people, this is your reminder:
**Stop chasing.
Start healing.
Start growing.
Start dreaming again.
Start living.**
You have a life to live.
And as long as you've got a pulse, there is still something you can do with your life.
How I Became a Travel Agent: The Journey, the Faith, and the Decision to Start
Sometimes the opportunity you are looking for is already being prepared for you—you just have to take the first step.
If you have been following my journey for a while, you probably already know that I love to travel. I love experiencing new places, tasting foods from different cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning how other people see and experience the world.
But something you may not know is that I never originally planned to become a travel agent.
My journey into the travel business started in 2021, and looking back now, I can see how every little step led me to where I am today.
Watch the video here:
My Love for Travel Came First
Travel has always been a big part of my life.
I have always dreamed of traveling around the world, and whenever I travel, I love bringing my children along. For me, traveling isn't simply about visiting beautiful destinations. It's about creating memories, experiencing different cultures, meeting people, trying new foods, and seeing life from different perspectives.
I also played basketball at the amateur and professional levels, including during college, so traveling was already a regular part of my life.
Still, becoming a travel agent wasn't something I had seriously considered.
That changed in 2021.
The Experience That Changed Everything
At the time, I was working as a booking agent for Holland America Line, a cruise line company.
As I worked with guests, I began noticing something that really stood out to me.
People would call because they couldn't reach their travel agents.
Some didn't know what to do with their reservations. Others needed help booking excursions, adding flights, arranging additional travel services, or making changes to their vacations.
And many of them couldn't get in touch with the person who had originally booked their trip.
The more calls I received like this, the more I started thinking:
Where are these travel agents? Why aren't they taking care of their clients?
At the same time, I was learning more and more about the travel industry.
Because I was receiving some complicated calls, I had to learn quickly. Even though I was relatively new, I found myself figuring things out and helping people with issues that I wasn't necessarily expecting to handle.
And that's when I made a promise to myself:
If I ever become a travel agent, I will never neglect my clients.
I wanted my future clients to know that if they had a question, they could call me, text me, or email me. I wanted to be someone they could depend on.
That commitment became one of the foundations of my travel business.
I Started Researching
Once the idea of becoming a travel agent got into my head, I couldn't stop thinking about it.
I started researching.
I wanted to know what it would take to become a travel agent. I looked online and tried to understand the requirements, the costs, the training, and how people actually built travel businesses.
I came across different opportunities, some of which required significant fees, and I wasn't sure which direction to take.
But I kept researching.
And then something interesting started happening.
Travel agents would call in while I was working and I would help them with their clients' reservations. After I helped them, some of them would say things like, "You did such a great job. I wish I could get an agent like you every time I called."
More than once, I heard that I would be good at this business.
Those conversations gave me even more confidence.
I started thinking:
I can do this.
Then Someone Gave Me an Opportunity
One day, a travel agent called in with several reservations that needed to be handled.
I helped him with everything he needed.
Afterward, he told me that if I was that good at helping with travel reservations, he thought I would make a good travel agent.
Then he said something simple:
"If you ever want to become a travel agent, give me a call."
That was it.
But for me, it felt like an opportunity.
I took his number.
After work that day, I called him and reminded him of our conversation. I told him that I was interested and wanted to know what it would take to get started.
He explained that he owned a franchise and could bring me into the business as an agent. I would receive training and operate my business under his franchise.
There was an investment involved, and I knew I would have to invest in myself.
But I was ready.
I Invested in Myself
After some back-and-forth and waiting for the details to be finalized, I learned what the initial investment would be.
It was a significant amount of money for me at the time.
But I didn't hesitate.
I had already made the decision that I wanted to do this.
I saw it as an investment in myself and even thought of it as an early Christmas and birthday gift to myself—a new business and a new beginning.
Once everything was set up, I made my payment and received access to the training program.
And then the real work began.
The Training Was Serious
I studied.
A lot.
I had to complete self-paced training and learn how the business worked. I wanted to learn as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.
I studied in the mornings.
I studied at night.
And I worked on my business while still managing my other work.
It wasn't always easy, but I knew that if I wanted something new, I had to make room for it.
The more I learned, the more confident I became.
Eventually, I started working as a travel agent under my former business partner's franchise.
The business was commission-based, meaning I earned commissions from the travel products and services I sold. We had an agreement regarding the portion of my commissions that went toward operating under his franchise.
Now I had the opportunity to build my own clientele.
And that's exactly what I started doing.
My First Clients
In the beginning, I talked about my business everywhere.
I created business cards and handed them out. I told people that I was a travel agent and explained some of the travel options and deals available through my business.
For a while, nobody booked with me.
Then came my first breakthrough.
My children's former pre-K principal, who owned a pre-K program, booked a cruise with me for herself and her family.
I was so excited to help them plan their trip and send them off on their cruise.
Later, she came back and booked an all-inclusive resort vacation as well.
Those early bookings meant a lot to me because they showed me that people were willing to trust me with their travel plans.
My former business partner also referred clients to me from time to time when he was unavailable.
Little by little, I kept going.
The Promise I Made to My Clients
One thing has remained important to me throughout this entire journey:
I don't want my clients to feel forgotten.
If someone calls me with a question about their reservation, I want to help.
If I know the answer, I'll give it to them.
If I don't know the answer, I'll find out and get back to them.
I take pride in responding to messages, researching destinations, planning trips carefully, and making sure my clients know what's happening with their travel plans.
My goal is to make the process as seamless as possible.
When someone hires me to help with their vacation, I don't want them sitting around wondering what is happening with their reservation.
That's what I'm there for.
And that goes all the way back to those calls I received when I was working as a booking agent.
I remembered the people who couldn't find their travel agents.
I remembered the promise I made to myself.
And I decided that if God gave me the opportunity to build this business, I would be the kind of travel advisor who was present for her clients.
From Travel Agent to Franchise Owner
For a while, I was balancing my travel business with another business.
Eventually, it became a lot.
I had phones ringing for both businesses, and I had to make some decisions about where I wanted to focus my energy.
As things changed, I found myself focusing more heavily on my travel business.
Then, in 2023, I decided I wanted to take another major step.
I wanted to own my own franchise.
At the time, I knew that purchasing a franchise would require a much larger investment. I didn't have the full amount sitting in my bank account, but I knew I was ready.
So I told my business partner that I wanted to move forward.
I submitted the paperwork to the head office and waited to hear what they would offer me.
I expected that I would need a substantial deposit and would probably have to finance the remaining amount.
But I didn't know what God had already prepared.
God Had a Different Plan
I remember praying and asking God to guide me.
I was thinking about the money I would need and wondering how everything would come together.
Then I received the call.
The business development manager told me that they had reviewed my business, my performance, and everything I had accomplished since I started.
Then they gave me their offer.
And I couldn't believe it.
The amount they offered me for the franchise was the same amount I had originally invested to get started as a business partner under someone else's franchise.
It was even less than the deposit I had expected to need.
I was shocked.
I remember thinking, "Are you serious?"
And they were serious.
That was how I became a franchise owner.
Becoming a Business Owner
Everything was established for me in August 2023, and I officially began my journey as a franchise owner.
I was incredibly happy and grateful.
Looking back, I can see how many seemingly small things came together to get me there.
It started with a love for travel.
Then came a job where I was exposed to the travel industry.
Then came the frustrated customers who couldn't reach their travel agents.
Then came the idea.
Then the research.
Then the unexpected person who told me to call him.
Then the training.
Then the first clients.
Then the decision to invest in myself.
And eventually, I became a franchise owner.
What started as a thought became a real business.
What My Journey Has Taught Me
My journey into the travel business has taught me that sometimes you don't need to have everything figured out before you start.
You just need to make the decision to begin.
If there is something you've been thinking about doing, start researching it.
You don't have to know every answer on day one.
I didn't.
I didn't know exactly where my path would lead.
I didn't know who would help me.
I didn't know how everything would be paid for.
I simply knew that I wanted to become a travel agent, so I started looking for information.
And along the way, the next step became clearer.
Don't Let Fear Stop You
Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about whether something will work that we never actually begin.
We think:
"What if I fail?"
"What if I don't have enough money?"
"What if I don't know enough?"
"What if nobody supports me?"
Those questions can keep us stuck.
Research is important. Planning is important. Understanding your finances and the risks involved is important.
But at some point, you also have to take action.
Pray, Research, and Take Action
For me, faith has been a huge part of this journey.
I prayed for direction.
I asked God to guide me and bring the right people into my path.
But I also had to do my part.
I researched.
I made phone calls.
I invested in training.
I studied.
I worked.
I talked to people about my business.
I followed up with clients.
I kept going.
Faith and action worked together for me.
Today, I'm Still Building
Today, I'm continuing to build my travel business and my clientele.
I work with individuals, families, groups, and travelers looking for different types of experiences.
My travel services include cruises, all-inclusive vacations, tours, excursions, flights, hotels, transportation, day trips, and more.
Whether someone is planning a family vacation, a group trip, a relaxing getaway, or an exciting adventure, I enjoy helping them put the pieces together.
And I'm still learning and growing along the way.
I am also building my real estate business here in Texas, so I'm excited about this next chapter and everything that is ahead.
If You're Thinking About Starting Something New...
This is the biggest message I want to leave with you:
Don't give up on your dream just because you don't know how it's going to happen yet.
Start with what you know.
Do your research.
Ask questions.
Learn.
Look for opportunities.
Be willing to invest in yourself.
And keep moving.
You may not know who will help you along the way.
You may not know where the opportunity will come from.
You may not even know exactly what the next step looks like.
But sometimes the next step appears after you take the first one.
That's what happened to me.
I was researching how to become a travel agent, and the person who helped me get started eventually came into my life through the very work I was already doing.
That experience taught me something I still carry with me:
The way may not always be visible, but that doesn't mean there isn't a way forward.
Don't Let Anyone Steal Your Joy
My journey into travel started with a simple decision.
I wanted to become a travel agent.
I took that desire seriously, did the research, invested in myself, worked hard, served my clients, and kept moving forward.
And look where that decision has taken me.
So, whatever dream you're working toward right now, don't let fear, uncertainty, or the fact that you don't have all the answers stop you.
Take the next step.
Keep learning.
Keep researching.
Keep praying.
Keep working.
And don't give up on yourself.
You never know what can happen when you finally decide to begin.
Thank you for being part of my journey, and remember: don't let anyone steal your joy! ❤️
What's up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you're having an amazing day and that you have decided not to let anybody steal your joy!
Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife blog. It's a beautiful day, and today I want to talk about forgiveness.
What does it mean to forgive?
To me, forgiveness means deciding that you are no longer going to allow the pain of what someone did to control your life. It means letting go of the hurt, betrayal, lies, disappointment, or disrespect.
Forgiving someone doesn't mean what they did was okay.
It also doesn't mean you have to bring them back into your life or give them the same access they had before they hurt you.
Sometimes forgiveness is simply saying, "You hurt me, and it was painful, but I'm choosing to let this go. I'm not going to allow what happened to control my life anymore."
I've experienced this myself. There have been people who hurt me deeply, and the more I focused on what happened, the more it hurt. But when I decided to forgive and give the pain to God, I began to feel lighter.
I realized that holding on to the hurt wasn't hurting them. It was hurting me.
Forgive, But Have Boundaries
One thing I want to make clear is that forgiveness doesn't mean becoming a doormat.
You can forgive someone and still keep your distance.
You can forgive someone and decide that the relationship will never be what it once was.
You can forgive someone without giving them the same access to your life.
Trust has to be earned.
You are valuable, loved, worthy of respect, and deserving of peace. Don't allow someone else's actions to continue stealing your joy.
Forgive them.
Let go of the pain.
Learn from what happened.
Set your boundaries.
And keep moving forward.
Sometimes forgiveness isn't about giving someone another chance. Sometimes it's about giving yourself the freedom to heal.
So today, I encourage you to choose peace. Give your hurt to God and allow yourself to move forward.
Forgive, but be wise. Love, but have boundaries. And whatever you do, don't let anybody steal your joy!
Thank you so much for checking out MaryamsJoyfulLife blog today. Until next time, keep choosing joy! ❤️
