If you would have asked me a few years ago what a successful career looks like I would have responded with something along the lines of using my degree in occupational therapy, working for a super fun and laid back company, having weekends off and several weeks of vacation. Fast forward to current times and I am no where near that.
I don’t work for a company as an occupational therapist, I spend most days sewing or crafting, I have so much flexibility in my schedule it can sometimes be detrimental to my mental health and vacation isn’t as pressing when I can chose my own schedule on the daily. On paper it sounds great but I’ll be honest, there have been more times than I’d like to admit that I’ve struggled with guilt , shame and the notion of success.
I’ll spare you the details but I’ve been doing a lot of inner work focused on my habitual ways of thinking. The most eye opening piece of that work has been a new perspective on what success looks like to me. I’m talking, totally my version of success…not what society or family or friends think success is. Just like everything in life, my definition of success will evolve, but for now this is what I’ve landed on:
Success for me is being able to be creative, make things and share them with people who appreciate them. It’s staying true to my values as much as possible each day. It’s recognizing that my definition of success is different than others and that doesn’t mean it's any less important. Mostly success for me is actively choosing to embrace the path that isn’t the easiest or most comfortable. For it’s the uncomfortable that gives me the opportunity to learn the lesson that’s being taught and continue to grow in alignment with my authentic self.
From where I sit today I’m proud to say that I’m successful in my adventure with Switch Stitch. It might look really different than yours or the next person and it might take me some daily reminding to stay true to it. But I suppose that, in itself, is part of the success. The daily practice of gratitude and being as fully present as possible while sharing the good along with the not so good with those I love.
Have you struggled with the notion of success? Do you know your definition of success? I'd love to hear your thoughts on success! Share with me.