Posts

Redefining Success: Why “Enough” Might Be Exactly Where You Are

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, and achieve more, we rarely stop to ask: What does success really mean to me? And more importantly—is it time to redefine it?

The Problem with “Should”

So many of us are weighed down by “shoulds.”
“I should be further along in my career by now.”
“I should have reached this milestone already.”
“I should feel more successful.”

But what if we let go of the “shoulds” entirely?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when we keep raising the bar, we never allow ourselves to feel like we’ve actually made it. Society encourages us to keep chasing new goals, climbing higher, and hitting the next big milestone—but at what cost?

When Is It Ever Enough?

We’re often hardest on ourselves. Even when we’re doing “okay,” something unexpected can knock us back—like a lost opportunity, a sudden job change, or seeing a peer’s success and wondering why we’re not there yet.

Comparison is everywhere. And even though we tell ourselves not to compare, it’s tough when social media feeds us highlight reels of where everyone else seems to be. We forget that the timeline we’re comparing our lives to was often created years ago—based on a version of ourselves that no longer exists.

Embracing a New Definition of Success

What if we gave ourselves permission to rewrite that timeline?
What if success wasn’t about constant achievement, but about resilience, growth, and self-compassion?

Take a moment to look at how far you’ve come—not how far you think you still need to go. Consider the challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve continued to move forward, even in times of doubt, fear, or darkness.

There was likely a time when you dreamed of being where you are right now.

And yet, because it’s our own story, we often downplay it. We forget how extraordinary our own journey is—because we’ve lived it. But it’s not boring. It’s not insignificant. It’s yours.

In Your Own Way, In Your Own Time

Years ago, I had lunch with a director I deeply admire. At the time, I was struggling with self-worth and feeling “behind” in my career. I’ll never forget what they told me:
“Things will happen in your own way, and in your own time.”

Those words stayed with me through career uncertainties, personal loss, and the process of healing from an unhealthy relationship. Looking back, I want to hug that younger version of myself who didn’t feel like she was enough—because I know she’d be proud of how far we’ve come.

So if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or like you’re not “there” yet—take a breath.
Maybe you’re already more successful than you think.
Maybe, just maybe, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be right now.

/by

Why We Need Superheroes Now More Than Ever

As a little girl, I lived for Halloween. (Oh, who am I kidding? As an adult – I still do). This was one of my favorite costumes as a kid (thanks, mom and dad) and I wanted to be Supergirl every day of the year. Looking back at this picture, it’s easy to see why: superheroes were larger-than-life figures who made us believe that anything was possible. And after watching the new Superman trailer that dropped today, I’m reminded of just how much we need that sense of hope, especially now.

In a world that can often feel dark and overwhelming, superheroes remind us that even in our toughest moments, there’s always the possibility of good triumphing over evil. Superman might be flying high above the clouds, but his message is simple and grounded: hope, courage, and the belief that we can all be heroes in our own way.

Whether you’re fighting for justice like Superman or just trying to get through a tough week, we all have moments when we need a little extra inspiration. Maybe it’s remembering that small acts of kindness are the real superpowers, or that standing up for what’s right can change the world—no matter how big or small the action.

Superheroes are more than just capes and special powers. They’re about rising above, showing resilience, and believing in something bigger than yourself. And right now, I think we could all use that reminder. 

So here’s to the heroes, both real and fictional, who remind us that it’s okay to be human, to struggle, and to keep fighting for the greater good. Whether you’re donning a cape or just showing up for someone when they need it most, you’re making a difference.

/by

Scary, Not So Fun Stuff

Let’s talk about some scary stuff: anxiety, self-doubt, and fear.

It feels like a really weird time right now to be an artist, a creative person, or… just a (super) human.

There are technological upheavals, layoffs, wars, mean people in comment sections, and so much heavy stuff happening, in what feels like all around us, and all at once. I think we’re just doing the best we can to get through each day.

But sometimes you have a really bad moment that spirals into a bad day, and it’s just overwhelming.

To be honest, the internet and social media haven’t felt as fun for me lately, and I bet it’s probably felt similar for you, too, in whatever you’re dealing with. As a rule, I generally try to stay upbeat and positive, and feel like I mostly do a good job, but when I’m at a low point… it feels REALLY low.

I had one of those moments yesterday. It felt like a lot of things caught up to me, all at once (you know the expression, “When it rains, it pours?” yeah, that), and I think I just needed to let it out and have a good cry. But if you’re a busy bee like me, finding the time to just let it out is hard. But it’s so, SO important and I’m trying to show myself grace in those moments and schedule it when necessary.

Because once you face it and feel the thing, you can battle it and move on.

So if you were there for me yesterday (or checked in on me today), thank you. If you weren’t and you didn’t know I was struggling, please don’t be harsh with yourself (or me, my anxiety thanks you). I’m still learning how to reach out and accept help when I need it or it’s offered. I’m still learning that it’s not a weakness to be vulnerable.

What I’m trying to say is (and I say this to remind myself as well), that you don’t have to do it alone, and you probably shouldn’t.

See the greatness in yourself. But when you can’t, have a team of people who will remind you.

Then take it one step further, and remind others of their greatness and be the light in the darkness. You never know when someone really needs to see it.

/by

“You’re selfish.”

“You’re selfish.”

If that’s the voice of your inner critic, too – maybe take a step back and think. Is that YOUR voice or someone else’s?

Chances are it’s not yours but someone close to you, who you loved, who called you that. Maybe more than one person.

I once read that our meanest inner criticisms are not things we’ve thought about ourselves, but what someone else has called us. Makes sense, right?

So… are you selfish for taking care of yourSELF?

No… At least, not the “bad” kind we focus on in society when we think of the word “selfish.”

Doing what lights you up, what makes you happy, what makes you a better YOU is not the bad kind of selfish.

Being a better version of yourself makes you better for the people you love.

If you can’t take care of yourself, how on earth can you take care of anyone else?

Take back the power.

The next time your inner critic pipes up and calls you selfish when you’re pursuing your dreams, you can always respond with, “Yeah – I am. But this isn’t your story. This is mine.”

Or… Think of something cool, pretend I said it.

I believe in you 💜

/by

It’s okay to rest!

Real talk, friends.

I’ve been really tired lately. A lot has been going on. From teaching a camp all day long and then working at night – it’s been nonstop. I’m making plans for big moves. I’m trying to figure out the future.

I’ve missed all of my workouts since Monday. Normally I’d be really upset with myself for choosing to sleep in for an extra hour versus getting that done before work.

But I’m doing what my therapist has been trying to get me to do for two years now: show myself some grace and chill a little bit.

Not all of my progress will be undone in three days.

Getting a little extra rest might pay off for my own mental health, my physical health, and make me a better teacher for my kiddos this week. It might even help me have more energy for the other people in my life who need me.

And it’s okay.

So to my fellow Type 1 enneagrams and perfectionists, I see you and I give you permission to breathe and rest for a little bit.

/by