Just Wondering is a series where we talk about some pressing–and sometimes not-so-pressing–issues that help us to have a moment of much-needed reflection. Read on and weigh in!

I want you to take a moment to really take in the following words:

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” –Maya Angelou

When I saw that–really took it in–while reading this article earlier today, it helped me to get back to a much-needed space of peace in my life. As I read how these world-famous and traditionally-defined “successful” people described their trajectories, I was moved by each one gave a definition that did not include the words money, power or respect.

Lately I’ve been immersed in a world that tells me I have to worry about “the numbers”–the page views, the Likes, the Comments, the Instagram followers, yada yada yada, etc etc etc… These are all the quantifiable parts that come with being a blogger and writer. These are the metrics that the outside world uses to tell me how worthy I am.

Similarly, in the world of motherhood, we are led to believe that if our house isn’t spotless, our kids aren’t perfectly behaved and we aren’t caught up on our (forever-long) To Do list, then we are failing.

You don’t need me to tell you that all of that is bunch of crap.

I am here to remind you–with the help of Ms. Angelou’s perfect words–that you are allowed to feel successful, right where you are. Even if the rest of the world uses numbers or dollar signs to measure success, you don’t have to.

So my challenge to you today–and heck, every day! (why not?!)–is to shift your perspective on success. To find small things on which to hang your hat–your kids’ smiles, the feeling of putting into the world a piece of work that touches even one person’s life, or taking a much-needed moment of peace and quiet to start your day. And armed with your new perspective, know that success is already be right there in your grasp.

Do you agree with Ms. Angelou’s definition of success? How do you define it?

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Sonni Abatta is a writer, blogger, founder of this Orlando lifestyle and mom blog, and a mom of three who considers her day a success if she is able to shower. (Don’t judge.) Want to chat or collaborate? Reach out here!