What is a life well lived? How will you know when you’ve reached success?
In my 20s and 30s, it used to be measured by where I was at in my career, getting married, and buying a home. And while these are all good things that I am grateful for, can you believe none of it has made me feel like I’ve finally made it.
Perhaps the to-do list of success was already planned for us, programmed to want a certain thing, long before we even had a chance to be curious and ask ourselves - what would make me feel fulfilled?
In my 40s, I care about my personal relationships more than ever before- people in my life I tend to be in company with for a long long time. I have to admit because I didn’t nurture them in the past, some relationships are no longer. But, I don’t want to make the same mistake. Forgetting what’s really important in my life. I know this is prideful of me to say, but I always thought I was irreplaceable as a teacher… at least that was my goal.
But when I quit, do you know what happened?
Life went on. A new coach came in to take my spot as they should. I was replaceable.
Life will go on.
A harsh, yet a freeing truth. There will always be a better teacher, a better writer, a better_____. But, there will never be another me to the people I love and who they are to me.
I guess what I want to say this week is don’t take your job too seriously even if you love it. Give it your best, but not your all. Save some for people who are there for you day in and day out. The time you have with them is not replaceable.
(my irreplaceable relationship, nephew & I to his first bon bon experience. 2023)
something to think about for the week….
Take time this week to write down the things in your life that are irreplaceable and how you might care for it a little more.
What is your definition of success and has it changed over the years?
newsletter update
I am practicing simplicity in 2024 and hopefully beyond. I am thinking through how I might create content around all the things that I care about in one space and not having multiple platforms.
With that being said, I am not sure what this space will look like moving forward. Perhaps a monthly update. Thank you for being here to read and support! More soon…
hope you experience care this week.
love,
kyunghee
Love your writing, so insightful 🤍