The Girl Behind the Pen

Success is like that first cup of coffee in the morning, a jolt of energy that perks us up and helps us through the day. It's the fuel that keeps us going. Achieving success often feels like winning a marathon, and we relish the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. But what happens when that feeling fades, and we find ourselves asking, "Is this it?"

One of my biggest dreams was to see my name in magazines as a writer. I did everything I could and should to pursue that goal—and I did. When I saw my name under my very first published article, it felt as if I won the lottery. That I’m already living the dream. It was good while it lasted. Six months later, I questioned myself, why am I not happy? 

I've spent years chasing after success, ticking off one milestone after another on my list. I've climbed the corporate ladder, earned accolades, and built a life that many praised me for. But deep down, there's a lingering feeling that something is missing. It's not a question of ambition or setting higher goals; it's more about a sense of emptiness that success alone can't fill.

The truth is, success wears off. 

The thrill of reaching a long-cherished goal may last for a while, but soon, it begins to lose its luster. The promotion you worked so hard for, the financial stability you achieved, and the recognition you received can start to feel like mere stepping stones rather than destinations. It's like chasing after a pipe dream, thinking that the next success will finally quench your thirst for fulfillment.

In the pursuit of success, we often put our heads down and plow through life's challenges, sometimes neglecting the things that truly matter. We may miss out on precious moments with loved ones, ignore our passions and hobbies, and forget to savor the simple joys of life. And as we keep climbing that ladder, we may find that it's leaning against the wrong wall.

So, why do we still feel unsatisfied and unfulfilled despite all our achievements? It's because success, in and of itself, doesn't necessarily equate to happiness or contentment. True fulfillment lies in the balance between achieving your goals and nurturing your inner self. It's about finding purpose and meaning in the every day, not just in reaching the pinnacle of your career or amassing wealth.

Success should be a stepping stone to a more fulfilling life, not the end-all, be-all. It's crucial to take a step back, reflect on what truly matters to you, and ask yourself what success means in the broader context of your life. It's about finding a way to integrate success into a well-rounded, meaningful life, rather than letting it dominate every aspect of your existence.

This may sound odd coming from someone who’s still in search of what truly satisfies her—a.k.a. Me—but I believe it's never too late to reevaluate your priorities and rediscover the joys that may have taken a back seat during your quest for success. Spend time with your loved ones, engage in activities that bring you joy, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination. When success is no longer satisfying, it's a sign that it's time to redefine your goals and recalibrate your path.

In the end, success is just one piece of the puzzle. It's the love, laughter, and personal growth that give life its true value. So, the next time you find yourself wondering, "Is this it?" remember that the answer lies not in the next achievement, but in embracing the full spectrum of life's experiences. Success may wear off, but the richness of a well-balanced, fulfilled life endures. It's time to savor every moment and find contentment in the journey itself.

Dress is by Michael Costello from Revolve | Shoes from Song of Style from Revolve

I'll be honest — no matter how much I try to keep a positive mindset, there's not a day that goes by that I haven't thought of at least a single dilemma that would question my own life. I started to wonder: is the experience of growing up so bad that we keep complaining about it almost all the time? 

In the days leading up to my birthday, every year, I secretly wished that:

• This is the year I find myself.
• This is the year I get to experience the things I’ve been waiting for to happen.
• This is the year I fall in love with myself again and stopped relying on anyone else for happiness.

Here's the funny thing, when we were young, we thought everything we had at that moment was for keeps. But as we age, we slowly realize that not everything is there to last. 

There will be a lot of disappointments, countless heartaches, and soul-crushing heartbreaks but all that is a part of the adulting experience. And, you may end up feeling betrayed not only by the people and opportunities you held dearly but also by your own emotions to the point that you want to build a wall around you to stop letting everybody in.

It may be difficult to accept but the reality is that as we grow up, priorities change and we become our own person. 

I guess the most valuable lesson I’ve learned so far is that it’s okay that our dreams change. Although some of our childhood expectations are far from reality, there are “unplanned” dreams we never thought we’d ever get to fulfill, and things we unexpectedly discovered among ourselves that we never thought we were capable of. 

No one ever said growing up would be easy. But hey, it has its fair share of fun, too. Growing up allows us to meet different versions of ourselves. And each time it puts us through both difficult and easy situations, we come out as different persons. So, let's embrace what this adulting throws us. Let's embrace its certainties and precariousness. Because when we do, chances are that we leave no room for regrets. 

Skirt from Revolve

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