An Ordinary Mom's Musings

My hairstylist asked me what my personal definition of success was as a rousing debate went on around the salon. I realized that my definition is probably a lot different than most.

I personally have never gone after riches- I would have never been a preschool teacher, nanny, stay at home mom or social worker if I had. Having enough for my needs and an occasional splurge- That’s enough for me.

Recently I was asked at work if I would be interested in going into leadership. My answer was possibly. But the truth? It’s probably not. I’m the oldest of 11 children. I have “led” since the day I was born. After everything I have gone through with my family I grew up in and my current family, I’m content to let others lead and just work towards a common goal. That isn’t to say I don’t have a voice and won’t use it strongly when I feel the need to advocate for myself and others, but I have found that often, I can influence the most change getting down on the ground, meeting people where they are at.

And I’m happy there.

Happiness. That is how I measure success.

There is always going to be sadness, disappointments, and struggles. But am I truly happy with where I am at right now?

I have a beautiful home that needs a little TLC and a few things I want to change, but it’s mine. A job that isn’t perfect but does feed my soul. I’m getting my master’s degree which gives me way less personal time than I would like, but I know it’s only for a season and it’s a fulfillment of a year’s long dream to become a therapist. I have a family that struggles, and then wins some, and then struggles some more. Sometimes that gets overwhelming, and I think I’d like to run away, but it would only be for a short while. The pull back to them would be far too great.

My life isn’t perfect and is definitely not what others would view as success.

But I view it as pretty darn successful because I’m happy.