Meet a #MomBoss: Rebecca P. Cohen of ShareMyJourney.org!
At this historic time, I was happy to hear about a business run by a #MomBoss that helps fosters human connection and a feeling of contribution from the comfort of one’s home.
1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?
My name is Rebecca P. Cohen and I am the founder of ShareMyJourney.org, a community that connects caring people by phone to share knowledge and life experience when you are faced with something your immediate circle can't support you with.
2. What inspired or encouraged you to start your business in our area?
I grew up in Arlington, Virginia, have lived all around Northern Virginia, and now live in Bethesda, Maryland. There were many times in my life when I was going through a personal or family challenge and wished I had a place to connect with a caring person who had navigated a similar experience. For example, when my older son transitioned from Montessori to kindergarten first grade, we were told that he was behind in reading. I would love to have known another mom who worked through similar circumstances. More recently, my younger son was going through a difficult battle in middle school with anxiety and depression. I would have given anything to speak to another parent to hear what worked for their family. It took us a year to find the right resources for him. I didn’t want the next family coming after me to have no one to talk to. My son weathered the storm and is thriving now in high school.
3. What do you love about your work?
I love connecting caring people for meaningful conversations about shared experiences. The concept is so simple yet so purposeful. The connections have felt rewarding and easy for those who participate because they only get matched for topics they are open to talking about. There is a sense of relief from the person receiving help, and I think we can all relate to appreciating that feeling when you have a breakthrough in something you have been struggling with. Each person can give help and receive help at their convenience. We’re all going through something, and we don’t have to be alone.
4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
Start small, and begin! I’ve had the experience of creating huge plans and pitching investors. There is plenty of time for that in the future. Do what you can with what you have, and while it can feel scary to share what is in your heart, there is a reason that an idea won’t leave you alone. That happened to me. It took me eight years to begin ShareMyJourney.org, and once I did, the next logical steps started to appear, I started to see and feel the positive impact, and that keeps me going. We have a lot of ShareMyJourney members who have started businesses and are happy to share their journey and offer advice.
5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it, especially right now?
Daily time outside is my lifeline for me and my family. When my two boys were little, I even wrote a book called, Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids with easy ways to incorporate time outside into our routine. I’ve started running after 27 years of not being able to run; sweating has been cathartic. Even on days I don’t run, I take a walk with my morning coffee around the neighborhood and listen to the birds. Finding reasons to ground in nature and connect by phone with those I love are so important right now.
6. What can we do to support you in the community?
I’m reminded of the Fred Rogers quote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” I’m looking for the helpers. Reach out to me at sharemyjourneyorg@gmail.com if you are interested in offering your knowledge and life experience or follow us on Facebook.
7. What is your (or your family’s) favorite spot in our area (please be Falls Church, Arlington, Vienna, McLean)?
The Iwo Jima US Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington is a great place for a beautiful view of Washington, DC while the kids run around in the grass to get their wiggles out.
Did you know? ShareMyJourney.org was featured on People Helping People Podcast
Rebecca P. CohenFounder, ShareMyJourney.org and BeOutsideAndGrow.com
Know someone who would make a great #MomBoss? Email me at aliciacarmody@macaronikid.com!
