Finding Success in Balance: My Journey to The Cheerful Mind

As a result of this journey, I now choose to first follow what I believe is best for me, instead of putting everyone else before me. And if it means I “go against the grain” sometimes, then so be it.

My mentor had been right: ultimately, Northwestern wasn’t the best place for me. I didn’t want to admit it at the time, but it makes perfect sense now.

education, I took an assessment called CareerDrivers® and learned that “Life-Work Balance” was of utmost importance to me.

With my clients, I spend time to fully understand the reasons behind each activity’s presence in their lives; then we come to an understanding of how to adjust their relationship with that activity to free up time for the lives they truly want.

I was learning that one very important factor in my own job satisfaction was being appreciated; it was even more important than compensation. While this is not unusual—many people feel this way!—it is important to know your own job-satisfaction motivators.

Then, I was asked a question that rocked my world. “Apryl, if you took the care and love you give to others and directed even a little bit of it to yourself, what would change for you?” I had no idea how to respond and started to sob because I realized that I already knew exactly what I needed and wanted in order to feel loved. Why could I not give

If you are feeling less than worthy, spend some time writing down all the ways you provide value to anyone who interacts with you. If you run out of ideas, ask other people to tell you how they are inspired by you. Increasing your confidence in the value you provide can actually put more money in your pocket. You are enough.

I wanted to be of service to others and be appreciated for my gifts. I wanted to be intellectually challenged, thinking at a strategic level and determining efficient action plans toward great accomplishments. I wanted to work with people, and I needed flexibility and control of my schedule.

I visualized the path I was working toward, one I could never see before. And even though part of that path was blurry, I was suddenly confident that I was actually creating my destiny. What I wanted was within my reach, and my mindset shifted into believing that I was going to make it happen.