Editor’s note: This piece reflects where I am right now and what I’ve learned from my own experiences. I share these thoughts as an invitation to reflect on your own life, not as a guide for what you should do with it. Your circumstances, relationships, experiences are your own, and only you can decide what feels right for you.
Welcome curious minds and kind hearts, to As We Go, my November series about living, learning, and discovering what matters along the way. Throughout this month, I’ll be reflecting on how our experiences shape our understanding of success, influence our values, challenge the paths we’ve chosen, and change the way we think about our plans and progress. While I don’t have all the answers, that’s part of what this series s about. Sometimes, it’s through the unexpected turns, everyday moments, and experiences we never planned for that we learn a little more about ourselves. I hope these reflections encourage you to think about what matters most in your own life, too.
For a long time, I measured professional success by the milestones I hoped to reach: a stable career, promotions, recognition for my hard work, and financial security. I wanted to build on my experience, continue learning, and eventually have the freedom to enjoy life without worrying so much about money.
And I still want those things.
Earlier this year, I accepted a full time, permanent position that seemed like an opportunity to build on my skills. I was excited about what it could mean for my future, especially after spending time in shorter-term and part-time roles. However, as unfortunate as it was, a few months later, my position was eliminated due to a lack of work.
It was disappointing, to say the least. Especially considering starting another job search when I had hoped to be settling into something long-term. So, I was frustrated that my circumstances didn’t seem to reflect my work ethic, reliability, or the experience I had worked hard to gain.
Yet the time that followed gave me a different perspective on what I considered progress.
I spent much of the summer building a routine around swimming, job searching, creative projects, and time with people I care about. Some mornings, I’d be in the pool before sunrise, and by the time I got home, it felt like I still had an entire day ahead of me.
Swimming became something I looked forward to, but it also made a noticeable difference in how I felt. I had more energy, found it easier to manage stress, and enjoyed having an activity I could turn to when I felt overwhelmed or uncertain.
I loved having more freedom over my days.
Of course, that freedom came with financial limitations. I had hoped to spend more time traveling, but being unemployed meant some of those experiences weren’t possible. While enjoying my summer didn’t make the uncertainty disappear, I began thinking differently about success.
I had often associated professional success with the outcomes people could see: a promotion, a title, or recognition. But what about everything that leads up to those moments? Being dependable, collaborating with others, managing responsibilities, recognizing problems, and finding ways to improve things?
Those efforts matter, even when they don’t lead to the opportunities or recognition we’d hoped for.
And outside of work, I was reminded how much value having time and energy for the things I enjoy. I have always cared about my hobbies, but oftentimes, responsibilities, schedules, or expenses hadn't always allowed for it.
I don’t want to have to choose between a fulfilling career and a fulfilling personal life. I want to find a way for both to have a place.
Maybe success isn’t becoming less important to me. Maybe I’m just making room for more things to count.
When I think about what I want moving forward, it’s more of some things and less of others. More opportunities to grow, contribute, explore, and enjoy my days. Less financial stress, uncertainty, and feeling like the things I love have to wait until everything else is figured out.
I haven’t stopped working toward the life I imagined. I’m just paying more attention to what I want that life to feel like along the way.
So, I’m curious, when you think about success, what would you like more of in your life, and what could you use a little less of?
Thank you for joining me for the first chapter of As We Go! Tune in next Monday for “To a Point,” where we’ll explore our values, boundaries, and what it means to stay true to ourselves while making room for others. Until then, sending you love and light on your beautiful journey here on Earth.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
