I recently saw this question pop up on Hilary Rushford’s Instagram and I was so intrigued! I think success can mean different things to different people, and it doesn’t have to look like what the person next to you thinks it is, you know? I can break success down into a couple of categories, one for myself, one for my children, and one for my relationship with my husband. Each of these areas encompasses what I live for, and anything outside of that becomes a bonus. 

Success for me personally includes something to work towards that is just for me. I’m not currently working outside of the home, so blogging has become my outlet to express myself these past couple of years. Having this time to write down my thoughts and share them is really important, as I love the connection I get through sharing, and the process of writing it all down in a way that connects me to others. 

I also need time for myself, as alone time is something that really balances me and keeps me aware of my own thoughts and actions. I am an introspective person, so having the time to hear my own thoughts going through my head is something I need.

Having time to read, daily, is really important to me, too! This is my escape and my way to explore the world around me without ever leaving home. Reading is integral to my mental health and well being, without it (or the time to do it), I would be a mess and my days would feel empty. 

Lastly, taking care of myself physically is really important. I don’t feel good about myself when I neglect this area of my life, so putting in the time and effort to eat well and exercise is vital to me. 

When it comes to my children, success for me is that they are happy and thriving. I need them to feel good about themselves, and to feel loved and safe. Being home with them and having the ability to always be there is my main version of success right now. I love that I can volunteer in their classrooms, bring them to all their sports practices and appointments, and always be able to be there if they are sick or hurt. I knew when I was pregnant that I would stay at home until they went to school, and that I wanted to be the one that was always there for them. I love being there for them in all ways, and having the time to devote to them fully. Success for me and my children means that mama is always available for them, and I love that.

As for my marriage, success means being content in our life together. It means not sweating the small things, working daily to make his life a little bit easier, and raising our children together. I love that we have history that goes back nearly 15 years, and that in those years we have gone through a lot, both good and bad. I enjoy growing together and laughing over the funny things our kids do. He makes me laugh, daily, and it is one of my favorite things about him! Success in marriage means being happy with the choice I made all those years ago when we said our vows, and not letting a bad day (or weeks, ha!) turn into something bigger.