This is success right?

I have been pondering how to define success so that I have a goal to work for.  The past couple of days I have been cataloging the ups and downs of family life that have been hanging around this past month:
  • illness
  • orthodontics
  • surprise! someone needs glasses for the first time
  • school vacation
  • snow days
  • sold out movies (ok granted this is very minor but can have a disproportionately large impact on life)
Yes I have been frustrated with these things but I have managed my frustration, anxiety, and stress far better this month than I did just a few months ago.  This is good and it makes me want to cheer!  I have made progress in my happiness and being happy is a part of success in my book.

The question is how did this happen?  Having a flexible schedule is likely the key to this happiness and yes a part of me being successful.  For me I think it is becoming more and more clear that for me being a "success" is a well rounded life and at different points that means different aspects of my life need to be in the focus.

I have had several years where my professional life was the focus, then came family and it was a balance of professional and Mom duties, and right now Mom duties (which really are family duties) are the focus and the professional aspects are important but secondary.

I am needed to help move the family along, doing the repetitive things that just need to be done all that mundane and drudgery is necessary to allow of the memorable moments.  I want my kids and husband to have a good life, food they like makes them happy which makes me happy etc.  Their happiness feeds mine and vice versa and I am doing them to make them happy and not the thanks.  I should take joy in caring for them and not look for thanks (but I will admit is very nice to get that thanks).

The more I focus on doing it because I want to, the easier it is to do and the happier I am.   This is a good life this is success.

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