How do you define “success?”

Money? Big house? Travels? Awards? Status?

Or… Contentment? Love? Making a difference? Safety? Connection?

Or… A combination?

The key is YOU get to define what success means for YOU.

We spend so much time chasing after an idea of success that other people have put into our heads, that maybe isn’t even what fulfills us…. And when we don’t attain that definition of “success,” we feel like total failures. Sound familiar? So many of us are utterly exhausted right now, trying to balance families, careers, health, and our own mental health - and we’re drowning. We’re overwhelmed and just. plain. tired.

One thing I’ve always promised myself is that I would be open and honest in my writing on my blog, my e-newsletter, and my social media posts. People tend to assume if you are a trained Coach or therapist you must have it all figured out. You don’t get overwhelmed and come undone like “regular people.” Well, guess what? I still am a “regular person.” I have someone who coaches me, too. I reach out for help when I need it, too. This crazy weight of the world? I feel it it, too.

I woke up the other day with the ongoing list rolling through my mind of all the things I needed to get done… and I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and forget it all. I could hear my kids giggling in the next room, the dog prancing on the wood floors (which meant he had something he wasn’t supposed to have and was very proud of himself), my husband making breakfast for everyone. It seemed like the makings of a perfect morning, and yet… I didn’t want to get out of bed.

We’re all feeling it. We’re tired. And that might mean our definition of success needs to change for now.

I noticed things I’m grateful for today.

I drank my water.

I laughed with a friend.

I made the grocery list.

I read a chapter of my book.

These things give me moments of joy, energy, connection - and hope for the future. And maybe, at this moment, that’s success.

So, if you’re being hard on yourself these days for not wanting to climb the ladder or be a “boss babe” - that’s ok. Turn off the social media, stop with the Pinterest, no comparing to others’ successes. Take inventory - what do YOU need today?

When we take care of ourselves, show ourselves some love - it comes back. The motivation, inspiration, goals, dreams - all of it comes back. We may just need to be a little kinder, softer, and gentler in the meantime.

I’m sending you love today, my friend… Hang in there.