Measuring Success

We live in a world where we see the way other people live a lot more often. We live in a world where we have to have the next best thing. We live in a world where you can buy almost anything with a tap of your finger. We live in a world where we rather go into debt to show off than to save for the future.

Not everything on social media is as it seems. Not everyone has the perfect life. Instead of focusing on what others have, we should appreciate and focus on our life and what we have.

Even if you are seeing what others have you have to keep in mind that we are all in different life stages and we have different lifestyles. We see others' lifestyles and we try to keep up with them. Stop rushing, our time will come... This has been a hard pill for me to swallow because I feel like Bobby and I have been hardworking and successful, but I will see others and think how come they can get that, but we can't? Well, they could make more than us or be tacking down more debt.

Success shouldn’t be measured in if you have the latest iPhone, how luxurious your car is, or what designer bag you have this month. We need to make it the new normal that success is not measured in how much you make or what you can buy, but by the small wins. These are a few items we need to strive for and use to measure success:

• A job

• Roof over head

• Food on table

• Money in your savings account

• Paying off debt

• Relationships- good, healthy relationships with friends and family

Have you noticed that after you purchase something that you have been wanting you still want more or start stressing about money? Buying something can bring a brief amount of joy, but it will normally fade shortly after. We need to find the things that bring us joy without breaking the bank and works with our budget. For me spending time with my family and friends brings me joy and costs little to no money depending on what we are doing.

With all of that being said, goals are a great way to measure success. Materialistic goals are okay, but let's shoot for goals that broaden us internally for a longer term of happiness. Goals are a great way to feel accomplished and successful. You can have goals like:

• getting your dream job

• learning a new skill

• starting a new exercise plan

• eating out less and cooking more

Recently, we changed from being a double income family to a single income and it has been challenging. One paycheck, inflation, lifestyle changes can definitely put anyone in a pickle.

You can definitely still hustle as a stay at home mom to save or make money. I like to share items for commission. I coupon and shop where it is cheaper. I sell items we no longer wear or use. I try not to spend more than we make. It is not easy at all, but we can do it if we are strict. My small wins make me feel successful and happy.

I am hopeful that this reaches those who need that extra bit of encouragement to live and love your life. We are human and we will always view what others have but it is important to ground ourselves and remember how lucky we are.

XOXO

E