Life is all about lessons, and the end of the year is a great opportunity for one to truly comprehend those lessons.
I’ve done some major growing up this past year, and have experienced my fair share of personal growth to say the least. I’ve had to put on my “big girl pants” in business, Michael travelled to Thailand for over 2 months, my Mom and I finished writing our first cookbook, and I overcame a couple of massive personal hurdles that have been a part of my life since I was a kid. Wow…what a year!
As we near the end of 2015, I thought I’d share one of the biggest lessons I learned this year through a personal story…
While my Mom and I were away in Paris this Fall we stumbled upon a beautiful little bakery. While we were speaking with the owner we asked her (with our true North American mindset), “how’s business, are you busy?” She replied with simply, “we’re happy”. This statement hit me like a ton of bricks. What do you mean “you’re happy?”, I said to myself. Instantly, I realized the difference between our North American mindset of “being busy=success, importance and power”, and the European culture of “success= simplicity and happiness”.
Have you ever noticed that in our culture when you ask most people how they’re doing, the response you most often receive is, “good, busy” or just “busy”. And that’s the response we’ve been accustomed to hear as well! How messed up is that?!
I’m completely guilty of it too. Working 7 days a week can be exhausting (…even though I love what I do!!), and it leaves little room for balance, personal growth and at the end of the day is really nothing to be proud of. Being “busy” has been a big part of my life for a long time …but I’m done with it. Working like I do has resulted in me sacrificing many things in my life… family and friends included.
In 2016, I’m going to make a conscious effort to live every moment of my life (or at least a good part of it) with authentic happiness (like the Parisians!). I want to be happy first and foremost with myself and the people closest to me.
Happy New Year Everyone!! May your days be filled with a ton of love and most importantly, HAPPINESS!
xo
Erinn
I so love this post sweet girl…YES!! You have learned a ton. I am so proud of you and your brilliance to “change it all up”. We both have learned a ton this year and the glorious thing about life is that it is a journey with NO destination. We can move towards goals and see what transpires but the most important thing is to let go of expectations and simply be happy. (I’m giving me this talk every day). lol.
Thank you for this refreshing reminder. Paris rocks! xoxo
Erin, how foolish of us North American’s to have missed this powerful, and yet very simple truth!!!! For a young woman, you are wise beyond your years and so very inspiring! Thank you for sharing this! My goal for 2016 is to “be happy” more!!!!