When we were kids, we were passionate entrepreneurs.

I remember anxiously waiting for Lag BaOmer, traditionally celebrated with large bonfires. My neighbors and I would venture out in search of the best logs. I brainstormed and tried figuring out where the best places to find the logs are – maybe a construction site? Perhaps a walk in the neighborhood and in nearing neighborhoods will yield some leads? Maybe a friend's father has connections and can bring a truckload of logs, or perhaps we can buy some from a carpenter (ok, that option wasn't really on the table).

On the way, we experienced exciting situations like a face-to-face meeting with an angry, loose dog or a supermarket cart one of the kids 'borrowed' from the supermarket. No matter the circumstances, it kept me busy and excited. The constant challenge of achieving the task and finding enough logs for the bonfire kept me on my toes, even though every year there were enough, if not too many logs.

As I got older I understood that log collecting before Lag BaOmer was my first experience as an entrepreneur. Today, instead of finding logs I try to find customers. Where can I get my next sale? How can I promote myself? However, today, in contrast to the pure, free-spirited feeling I had as a child, I sense the financial burden and mental pressure. Those around me don't hold back their concerns about working independently 'independent business is dangerous, it's better to be employed', 'you're wasting time, you'd make more money as an employee', or 'the Facebook/Instagram/YouTube campaign wasn't successful'.

To deal with these voices, I developed a victory image in my head. My victory image is growing my business until it functions as a stable source of income.

There is no telling what the future holds, especially as it seems more unpredictable and bleaker than ever, but I know I'm approaching my goal as a licensed dealer, and it fills me with joy.

I have proven myself to everyone who doubted my choices, and paved my own way – which is no small feat.

So I'm telling you, whomever you may be: Don't give up on your dreams.

"The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage".

Thucydides