You Are Enough

In the whirlwind of life’s responsibilities and aspirations, it’s easy to lose sight of one simple truth: you are enough. It’s a message I constantly remind myself of, especially as I embark on the journey of writing my book, “Elves on a Mission,” alongside juggling a multitude of other roles – mother, wife, school volunteer, household chores, and putting together my Etsy store. There are moments when the weight of these responsibilities feels overwhelming, and I question if I’m doing enough. But through it all, I’ve come to realize that the process itself is a testament to my strength and resilience.

As I sit down to write my book, it often feels like there’s always one more task, one more edit, one more research point to tackle before it’s finished. This sentiment mirrors life in its entirety, where there’s always something more to be done. The key, I’ve learned, is not to let this perpetual feeling of “one more thing” weigh me down but to see it as an opportunity for growth and progress.

Balancing my job, caring for my children, being present for my husband, volunteering at school, managing household chores, launching a store, and writing a book – it’s a daunting list. There are days when I question my abilities, wondering if I’ll ever succeed or if I’m just spreading myself too thin. I’ve even had moments where I’ve felt like a complete failure, believing that nothing will ever truly start, let alone reach completion.

But amidst these doubts, there’s also an awareness that every day presents an opportunity to appreciate the present. Life is indeed a gift, and the love we share with our children, the support we provide to our spouse, the effort we put into our job, and the creative ventures we pursue are all part of this beautiful tapestry called life.

There are days when I look at my children and wonder if I’ve been present enough for them. Have I nurtured their curiosity, listened to their stories, and made them feel loved? There are moments when I leave work, questioning if I’ve made a meaningful impact or helped enough people. And when I get home, I wonder if I’ve done my share of household chores and supported my husband as he supports me. The constant self-evaluation can be exhausting.

But here’s the truth that I keep reminding myself: I am only one person, and I can only do so much in a day. Perfection is an unattainable goal, which has always been difficult for me to accept especially since I am a Virgo. The quest for perfection can be self-destructive. Instead, I have had to work so hard daily at accepting to celebrate my efforts, both big and small. I choose to acknowledge that, amidst the chaos, there are moments of accomplishment and connection that bring immense joy and fulfillment. Now, do I still have days I feel defeated? Of course, I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t. But, I continue to work on celebrating life’s joyful moments.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step, every task completed, and every moment shared is a victory. It’s essential to silence that inner critic, to stop asking if I’ve done enough, and to instead appreciate the progress I’ve made. All of our goals will be accomplished at some point. The book will be written, the Etsy store will begin, and my family will continue to thrive because of the love and dedication I pour into it.

So, to anyone else out there juggling multiple roles and chasing dreams, I encourage you to remember: YOU ARE ENOUGH. Embrace the present, celebrate your efforts, and trust that everything will get done eventually. Be kind to yourself, for you are doing an incredible job just by being you.

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