My Corner of the World

 I follow a lot of women on social media who have their own small businesses or podcasts or other ventures. I applaud those women who set themselves up with extra sources of income, and those that are writing books and changing the narrative for sober culture and women in leadership positions. I want all of the women in my life to succeed and live a life full of passion and purpose. That's my goal for 2024 for sure. I want to focus on my overall health (mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, financial) and I want to be the best version of myself moving forward. Those are my goals. 

I've thought in the past that I need a goal bigger than my small circle if I'm going to live a life full of passion and purpose. I've thought that I need to have a job that gives back and creates an impact, and is in the service space (social work, teaching, counseling, etc.). But you know what? I heard a podcast this morning and have been thinking on this idea for the past few weeks, and I've come to a different conclusion for myself. My small circle matters. Raising four productive human beings matters. Being a light to my family and friends matters. And that's enough. That's enough of a life full of passion and purpose, even if it only directly impacts a circle of 10 people. I don't need to impact 500 students a year in order to be making an impact. I can be a positive influence on one kid through a mentorship program and that's good enough. I can make a positive impact on my kids' circle of friends. That's enough. I can volunteer with a group at church and that's enough. My impact doesn't need to be attached to my primary paycheck. I could start a podcast and have an impact that way. I could write a book and just publish it on Amazon and see where it goes from there. I don't need to change the world in big ways, changing my circle of the world in small ways on the daily is enough. 

Being a perfectionist, I don't always feel like what I do is enough. But then if someone else does the same thing, I'm so impressed and inspired by them. It's like I've lived in a world where no matter what I do, it won't be enough. 2024 is going to be the year that what I do is enough FOR ME. I think it's always been enough for others in my small circle, but never enough for me. And that's what I need to change. I need to be comfortable in my own skin (2023 definitely brought progress in that regard) and I need to be proud of the impact I make, even if it's on my four kids for the next 10 years, and no one else. Or maybe it's the five brave souls who read my blog every week, maybe that's where my impact will be. Whatever it is, it's enough. That's true for me, and that's true for you! Don't sell yourself short, because I guarantee, more people are watching than you think. 

Here's a photo of my corner of the world about seven years ago. They matter.