The idea of success versus fulfillment

There are different points in our life where I think we make decisions based on what will allow us to be the most successful. When deciding what to major in during college, when applying for a new job or going for a promotion, when choosing how to invest our money, maybe even when choosing a partner. So many of these things are related directly to the money. And other things like status, labels, influence. And also money. Now do I think there is anything wrong with money? Absolutely not - my pedicures and facials aren't going to pay for themselves! My ideas here are around expanding our decisions to be about more than money. Specifically fulfillment.

I've been thinking about writing this the last month. The idea of how success and fulfillment aren't the same thing. Well something shifted in me today that made today be the day I write. I've been doing a lot of manifestation work (no not just wishing something - but deep inner work around releasing what holds me back, envisioning what is possible for myself through others' accomplishments, and taking aligned actions). Well in this work, the biggest thing we need to remember is for us to manifest, it needs to come from a place of authenticity. Of our truth, of what we really want when we take away the expectations of others, what the world requires of us, what we've been programmed to believe. When all of that baggage is shed from us, we can began to manifest with authenticity and hopefully see results.

So through this work, I've been make a short list each month of what I want to do (things more in my control and also that bring me joy) and what I hope to manifest (things that I can influence with aligned action and are less in my control). So I'm sitting here, it is the end of the month, I'm looking at my manifestation list. And I'm kind of annoyed actually. I had 3 manifestations for September and guess what, 2 of them definitely didn't come through (one kind of did depending on how I frame it). Well, here is the kicker. Those 2 that didn't come through are 100% success and financially related. They are coming from a place of my EGO not from a place deep in my heart.

I believe there is this beautiful connection between our own authenticity and truth and our own fulfillment in our everyday lives. If I go back to what I truly desire to be fulfilled (and release comparing myself to others and having my ego chime in) I can get deeper into my own truth. From there I can make decisions, manifestations, goals, and actions tied to the real me. And when I do that, I will naturally feel more fulfilled. I will remember that success is great, and for me, fulfillment is even better. I want to be able to live the real Amy and I want to feel flipping fabulous while doing it.

Now am I still a little annoyed that my manifestations didn't come through this month? Sure! And can I also giggle a bit to myself and remember that what is right for me will come through? Definitely! Every day we have is a time to realign and pivot or start fresh.

Looking at what decisions we can make, what we wish for, and what does happen in this way allows us to not control everything so much, not compare ourselves to others, and not feel so defeated when life takes an unexpected turn or even just stays the same. The success is an external measure, but the internal work is where its at. How we feel when we wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. If there is a heaviness in our heart because we aren't "successful" or if there is a smile on our face because we are fulfilled and get to live the life meant for us.

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One of the things that fulfill me - hiking in beautiful places like Guatemala.