There is a stigma in society ties success to a monetary value, a certain status, and what you obtain materialistically. By nature, we are creatures of habit and tend to fall in line with how society operates and stereotypes without question.
Women have struggled throughout the years to make a name for themselves and to be equally viewed and respected in society. A lot of that respect was earned and our voices were only heard once we did enter the workforce in more significant numbers.
The introduction of woman into businesses is what made way for the societal norms of a woman’s success to then be tied to her career or business title. The prior “norm” was for the woman to stay at home to care for the house and child. This position was never celebrated or even thought to hold any merit. Therefore, success was never a word used in conjunction with a stay-at-home mother or housewife, which is sadly not the case at all, and never was.
The word success holds so many different meanings; to me, it is all about perspective. Success should not be narrowed down to one aspect of life, and there is no level to achieve or price tag attached to success. To be a stay-at-home mother or housewife, maintaining and supporting a healthy, safe, and loving home is equally as important as any salary or career level. The home is often over looked when in reality, it is the most important aspects of your life, even if it feels to be in the background.
Not one should be overlooked, and we are all successful in our own ways. A quote women should live by:
Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.
The house and home is your safe place, your place of rest and recovery, and above all else it supports your family. Your home is where you grow, nurture yourself and your loved ones, and create priceless memories. I applaud all women who support themselves and their loved ones either from home or from the workplace.
Through experiences, both good and bad, and without regret, I have taken a lesson from each one of them. Through the years, I have learned to stay present in the moment, to not worry about things I cannot control. As I like to say, worrying is like a rocking chair, you go back and forth but never get anywhere. I have learned that I cannot control others’ actions, but I can only control my reaction. This helped immensely create more peace and harmony in my life as I no longer waste time and stress the things I cannot control.
How do you create a beautiful environment at home?
Home is a sanctuary, your safe place. You want to build a living space that allows to you grow and learn to your fullest potential while offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. A calm and comforting home allows your body to rest and recover without additional stress. An organized and clean home is a happy home.
After the past year and being home more than ever due to the pandemic, we realized how easy it is to create clutter. I am guilty of accumulating material things and have run out of space. Little by little, I have gone through each room to reevaluate what is needed and what can be donated. Creating more open space physically and mentally by donating helps tremendously maintain a healthier and more calming environment to live in.
By creating small spaces that serve a particular purpose, I have shaped a beautiful and functional environment at home. We have floor to ceiling windows at home, which allows natural light to shine through. I always encourage natural light to shine in and bring in plants to help the space flourish. In front of one of the windows is where I practice yoga, meditation, and any fitness activities. Having these spaces dedicated for a specific purpose keeps an even flow to your home and allows you to enjoy each space.
When you look at yourself as a wife, what is the most important aspect you value?
Offering unconditional love and support through all aspects of life is what I value most. I don’t mean unconditional love romantically and poetically, but true love and respect for your husband or partner that allows them to thrive.
Unconditional love allows for open communication lines where each partner feels safe and comfortable at any time to speak their minds freely. Open communication, coupled with mutual respect for one another, allows us to flourish individually and as a couple. Knowing at the end of the day that you have full support from your partner without question makes you that much stronger and makes life worth living. Also, never go to bed angry. Life is too beautiful and too short, not to spread love continuously.
Each new day is a new opportunity to learn and grow and appreciate all this life offers. Now more than ever, it is essential to be grateful for what you have and know that it is enough. Today, I can independently stand on my own two feet physically and metaphorically and continue to better myself in all aspects of life.
IG: @sarahayy
