Women having it all is a concept that has been bantered about for more than 4 decades - in other words, all my working life. Graduating college in the early 70s, women had greater options than ever before, although for most having a husband and children were still top priorities. But having work and family were possible since we were so busy protesting war no one gave much thought to what women could or could not do.

Women most often became secretaries, teachers or nurses. There were few women entrepreneurs but those that did start businesses opened retail shops or hair salons. These were professions that caused no concern by the general public for getting in the way of women's work in the home. These were professions that had structured hours and kept women busy until their home lives got too busy with family obligations and they were encouraged or forced to return home.

Four decades later women entrepreneurs are asking themselves, "Is having my own business, a husband, and children having it all? Are my expectations for myself selfish -- out of balance -- or just insane?" And, "Why is it that when women have dreams of a successful career and a happy family, the media finds it necessary to question the motivation and, more specifically, the possibility?"

My experience, as a women's business coach, tells me that the answer to these three questions differs depending on the perception of the woman asking them. Women business owners, for the most part, know that the entrepreneurial journey is similar to the gestation and/or child nurturing process. In other words, every day brings new excitement of change and growth, but also the fear of how that change and growth may affect the outcome.

Life without experience is not living. Taking that step into entrepreneurship is not selfish, unbalanced or insane whether one has a partner and/or children or any other obligations that require attention.

Someone once said, "you can have it all, but just not all at the same time." However, I even question that. Having it all means not having to strive for more. Having it all means reaching your destination. Having it all must mean realizing there is more and never giving up your dreams. Women entrepreneurs have dreams and should continue to reach for more.

If you believe you have it all let me hear from you - I want to inspire you to want more.