“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
Whose life are you living? What would you want for yourself, if you didn’t know what others want or have? Could you be living your dream life, already? Do you have it all?
These are questions I’ve been asking myself a lot lately.
I’m 32. I’ve “technically” been an adult for some time now. As an adult I’ve heard it said many times, that we as women can indeed “have it all”. Typically that means the husband, kids, and career. While it’s meant to empower, that statement has always torn me down.
I clearly remember watching Good Morning America when they featured the book Lean In. What a confusing day for me.
Recently, during a playdate, we (the moms) were talking and the topic of career came up. Many spoke of wanting more, starting a business, returning to school, getting back to work.
I listened quietly, being that I had nothing to contribute to the conversation. I watched my mommy friends nodding in agreement so I occasionally threw in a nod or two myself; for good measure.
As I loaded the kids in the car, along with all the STUFF required for a successful outing, I felt like a failure.
“Am I satisfied JUST being a wife and mom?”
“Maybe there’s something wrong with me.”
“Am I a lazy, complacent woman with no ambition?”
“Maybe I’m not doing enough.”
“What more can I do, should I do?”
I thought about this for a while. Then, it occurred me.
Maybe I’m unable to relate because I — am — satisfied?!
I mean, I’m not lazy, after all I take care of two children all day everyday and homeschool. I’m definitely ambitious, I have both a nursing and massage therapy license. I graduated 2nd in my class and was working as a nurse at 21. I have ambition and typically when there is something I want — I go after it and make it happen.
Know what? I wanted to be a wife. I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to stay at home. I wanted to homeschool.
And I’m doing it, I’m living it!
Say whaaaaaat?!
Before this occurred to me I didn’t realize how blessed I am. I am honestly very happy and satisfied with my life, as is. I’m living my dream I feel like I was made for this, my profession.
Now, you must understand, I’m not saying I’d turn away more money, shopping sprees, or a lifetime of FREE groceries from Whole Foods Market.
What I am saying is this, I can not allow my contentment to be disturbed by the aspirations of others. Neither should you. If you are happy or having a fantastic day, if you are in love with your life SHARE it with your friends. It seems to be a natural tendency to join in on negative talk because it’s easy to relate. Let’s change that.
They say you can have it all and I am honored to say that, at this present moment, I have it ALL. My all, no one else’s.
Consider this…
Whose life are you living?
What would you want for yourself if you didn’t know what others want or have?
Could you be living your dream, already?
Do you have it all? Your all?
Most importantly don’t encourage your children to be like their friends to get them to perform. That’s where the lines begin to blur.
XOXO
Raivon Lee
Vain Mommy
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