I think of myself as an average person. Five feet, seven inches tall, average build, straight blonde hair. I have a bachelor’s degree and a successful career, but I’m not my own boss and I don’t work for my parents. I’m married to an amazing man and have two children. Together, we live in a kind of small house built in the early 80s with an odd staircase. We have an average income. Our bills are always paid on time. We live within our means and don’t take fancy vacations.
Gray or Brilliant?
This description of our life could be interpreted as horribly gray, but I love it.
I have a career that I went to college for and worked really hard to obtain. My favorite part is that I rarely work more than 40 hours a week. I go to work, wear clothes and dangly earrings I couldn’t wear as a stay-at-home mom, then come home to my absolutely beautiful children and cook dinner from the plentiful, fresh and healthy groceries in our fridge. Sitting on the couch and talking with my husband after the children have gone to bed is one of the best parts of my day and it happens practically every night!
I don’t spend my spare time on a “side hustle,” networking or volunteering. I spend my precious spare time bettering what I already have. Recently, I have been focusing on keeping my house cleaner and tidier so my family can enjoy it more readily. And I’ve taken so much joy in making tasty and nourishing food for my family.
Average isn’t for Everyone
I know there are people who find the value in the number of events they attend or the amount of money they make or the neighborhood their house is in.
Those things have lost so much importance in my life. I love being able to slow down and enjoy my loved ones and this simple life we have. It certainly is important to have goals, but it’s also important to build up the lovely things that are already in our lives.
There’s so much focus on doing all you can all of the time these days, and it just isn’t what I want to do. I want to spend time with my kids while they’re little and show them that they are the most important thing in my life—not work or money. And that’s okay! If you’re slowing down, taking care of your kids and yourself, then you’re doing it right. Resist the pressure to feel like you need multiple jobs, lots of activities and a big house in the newest neighborhood to be successful.
There is success, and peace, in mediocrity.
I love this! There are so many voices out there encouraging women to hustle. They are so well-intended but you are right, it’s not for everyone.
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