Can I press pause on decorating for a moment? I have tons of it planned for this week (along with the easiest summer fruit recipe). But today? Today I wanted to share my heart.

I’m not sure who this is for, but if you needed to hear this today?

This—my wonderful incredible friend—is just for you.

Have you noticed all the talk about success everywhere you look?

And all the people chasing it?

All you have to do is look at social media. It’s everywhere. There are tons of experts and gurus and professionals telling you how to be successful. They show you beautiful homes that you should be living in and beautiful places you should be visiting and all the money that you should be making.

It’s like a success race.

People running at breakneck speed at the chance to be famous.

They plan for it and hope for it and dream about it and put off living and base all of their happiness on being “successful.”

But here’s the thing….

Success is fleeting.

It’s a mirage.

It’s temporal.

It’s here for a single moment and then gone tomorrow.

Why?

Because success is based on how OTHERS see you.

Success is how the world defines you.

It’s other’s interpretation of how you measure up to OTHER people.

It’s what THEY think of you.

Whoever THEY are.

(total aside: just between us THEY are always getting on my nerves)

It’s how great you are or how wonderful you are or how much money you have or how many homes you have or how many individual personal possessions are parked in your driveway or if you have enough or if your life is how it should be AS DETERMINED BY OTHER PEOPLE.

Just press pause and let that sink in for a moment.

Other people.

It’s THEIR definition of YOU.

It’s blurry and undefined and all according to them and their ideas and their perceptions.

When life gets blurry? It’s time to change the focus.

So what about YOU?

What about what you think of yourself?

Your goal should be to be happy RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

Happy with yourself today.

Happy with where you are on the journey.

Happy with what you have and what you are doing and recognizing the amazing self THAT IS RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES.

That’s called SATISFACTION.

Satisfaction is way better than success.

It’s how YOU feel about yourself.

It’s how YOU see your life.

It’s how YOU feel about your circumstances.

Not someone else.

Not the world.

YOU.

The wonderful, amazing, incredible that is YOU.

I know.

I understand.

I GET IT.

Life is hard sometimes. The bends and turns in the road are full of highs and lows like we never imagined.  The days can get frustrating and overwhelming and lonely. Sometimes taking just taking a step is hard. It’s so easy to focus on what we don’t have or didn’t accomplish or what mountain we must climb and forget about what we have or the amazing things we have accomplished or the steps in the journey we have already taken.

Instead, take a minute to focus on YOURSELF and YOUR heart today.

Choose satisfaction over success.

You are ENOUGH.

Always and forever.

Amen.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Cassie Adolphson Cassie Adolphson

    This is a great! We all need this. It reminds me of a Mother Theresa quote - “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” ― Mother Teresa

  2. Image for Betsy Betsy

    I’ve been on this earth for many years. When I look back at my life I regret the time I wasted trying to have what others had….. the house, the clothes, the stuff. It took me years to realize how worn I was from it all. The best day was when I realized I just needed to find peace within myself. Satisfaction!

  3. Image for Carol Carol

    Thank you KariAnne! I needed the break! Enough already. I got it. I will try and be more satisfied, I promise. For my sake! Thank you, Carol

  4. Image for Jan Jan

    How true! I hate that society has become so materialistic and competitive. Be content with who YOU are. Be a good person and do good deeds. Stop pursuing what you think makes you socially acceptable. Live life striving to make decisions that are pleasing to God and that glorify Him. Thank you for this post. Very much needed.

  5. Image for Kathleen Kathleen

    Thanks, Karianne! Your wise words of wisdom always seem to come through at the right time. You're the best and hope you have a great day yourself.

  6. Image for Sue Sue

    One of the best posts you have ever shared. God inspired! You show us ways to love what we already have or to make something new out of it. Thank you.

  7. Image for LORRI LORRI

    By the pictures you are showing us which are lovely and peaceful. I bet you are at the Cape again.. how peaceful it is just looking at the water, at the sunsets and sunrises. I can see why u r being insightful .. thank you. When I am near the water it calms my soul.

  8. Image for Maureen Maureen

    You have a special way of putting feelings into words. My daughter-in-law and I had a garage sale this weekend. It felt so good to get rid of items and others were so glad we had our annual sale. We visited, met new neighbors, and just sat outside enjoying the day. Those moments mean so much. People are what is important, not things.

  9. Image for Regina Merrick Regina Merrick

    I loved this, KariAnne. I've had the word "should" on my heart for a few weeks now, in the context of not following the "shoulds" of life, but what God really wants us to do. "Should" really only serves to make us feel guilty! Have a day as amazing as you are!

  10. Image for Donna Marie Donna Marie

    If only we could convince our young people this!!! And our younger selves. What hours we would save, and the money!!! We all are unique and we should enjoy what we have!!!

  11. Image for JC JC

    "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

  12. Image for Judy Allen Judy Allen

    Karianne, you always take the words right out of my mouth! Every post or picture on social media only shows the “perfect”, never the “real”. Love your great words!

  13. Image for Joanne Joanne

    Beautifully said KariAnne! I’ve always told my children until you are grateful for what you have you’ll never experience true Happiness. Amen Amen Amen!

  14. Image for Va in NC Va in NC

    Thank you so very much...so needed this...how I wish had come years earlier. Love your posts and you for posting such insightful thoughts. Blessings,

  15. Image for Nancy Sharp Nancy Sharp

    Old age has had one good benefit for me. I finally don’t care to try to keep up with the Jones. I’m sorry it took me so long to get there. But I am more content. I still want to change things around and decorate my house. For instance, I have a project going that’s just for me. I’m changing the room I always called my granddaughter’s room to a nursery because she will soon make me a great grandmother. Nothing can make me happier!

  16. Image for Jodena Beale Jodena Beale

    Thank you Kari Anne. My heart has been quite empty as of late. So a few chosen words that you chose just for us made me grieve a few minutes less while I read it. Thank you. God be with you.

    1. Image for Andrea Andrea

      Joden, I am sorry for your loss. Karianne is so good about uplifting & sharing joy. I hope you continue to look for and find increasing spots of comfort.

  17. Image for Sara Hassler Sara Hassler

    As always- YOU are spot on! You are such an encourager, so positive but also SO real. For any of your blog followers who don't know you in person- yes KariAnne truly IS real! She loves you for you and the queen of encouragement. Thank you KariAnne for reminding us its normal to feel blurry and to know we are all doing our best. You are so talented and a bright spot in our days w your posts and talents.

  18. Image for Revonda Stordahl Revonda Stordahl

    Thank you for this. I definitely need to be reminded to be satisfied and grateful for what I have. Your post was truly needed today.

  19. Image for Rachel Harper Rachel Harper

    KariAnne, What a great message today. I made a decision early this year that I would only strive for goals that make me happy and not what everyone was telling me I should be striving for. It’s very freeing to stop trying to please everyone! Thanks for all your inspiration!

  20. Image for Lori H Lori H

    Your post today has created a "book" of inspiration, started by you, with all the comments added that has given us a wonderful insight as to what is important in life. Bless you for the reminder and guidance:0) I never read all the comments but I did today..thanks to you as well.

  21. Image for Barbara Moore Barbara Moore

    My life mantra has always been: Any time I start feeling frustrated because others are ‘ahead of me in line’, I simply stop and turn around to see how very blessed I am to be in MY spot. Love this post, my friend.

  22. Image for Mary Anne Russo Mary Anne Russo

    Words! How amazing they are! Thank you! Your children are very blessed to have you as their parent! Your cheering them on is making their world so wonderful!

  23. Image for Alice Hanson Alice Hanson

    Oh KariAnne, You are so wise! That is so hard for some people (like me) at times. Thank you for the reminder! Precious person you are. Smiles, alice

  24. Image for Maggie Rowe Maggie Rowe

    Yes! Thank you for these wise, heartfelt words today dear friend. You will never know exactly how many you have personally encouraged, including me. That’s success in my book!

  25. Image for debra@commonground debra@commonground

    KariAnne, this is the first thing I read this morning and it really hit home with me. That's the wonderful thing about an inspired word from God, it touches each of those that need it; it's application different for each one. Thanks so much for sharing what was on your heart. Happy August!

  26. Image for Stephanie Mudd Carrico Stephanie Mudd Carrico

    Thank you for this. It's been a rough go here lately. Nothing seems to be going right. One blow after another. I try to keep a positive outlook but today was the day I just want to cry. But your message made me take a minute and a breath and realize it will get better.

    1. Image for Lee Stearns Lee Stearns

      I’m sorry you’re having a hard time right now Stephanie! I wish I was there to help however I could! Try to take some time for yourself everyday too- and you’re in my prayers! Praying for better days for you!

  27. Image for Tristy Tristy

    Thank you for sharing this message from your precious heart today. We all need to be reminded of this truth. True contentment is a heavenly gift offered to us all. We have to choose to experience it each day. ♥️

  28. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    KariAnne, thanks for sharing your wonderful post today! You are so precious and your Christian values always shine through so brightly. We are so thankful for you! May God continue to bless you and make you a blessing to all of us! You are loved so much!

  29. Image for Michelle Rudis Michelle Rudis

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! Somehow I got bogged down with worries about how others define my 'success' over the past several years. (insert eye roll) You've reminded me (all of us) how unnecessary that is to our happiness. So, one more time for emphasis: Thank You 💜

  30. Image for Cathy Cathy

    Wow, KariAnne----this is EXACTLY what I needed to read today. We have lived in the same house for almost 40 years and our surroundings are getting undesirable and I find myself searching the house listings everyday. The last few weeks have been rough and this past weekend, we went to see a beautiful lake house that some close family members just purchased. I found myself happy for them; but, coming home and feeling sorry for myself. Sorry that materially we haven't achieved the goals and status that many of our family and friends have. In my quiet time this morning, I sensed our Heavenly Father speaking to me concerning the many blessings my husband and I have. A roof over our heads, an amazing family, healthy children and grand-children....and the list goes on and on. Your timely post was just what I needed to top off what the Lord was already speaking to me about this morning. I will keep this post close by where I can read it often and be reminded of being content in the current state I am. "Count your blessings, name them one by one.....and it will surprise you what the Lord has done"! Thank you ~ Keep Shining!

  31. Image for R Newton R Newton

    Kari, Thanks for your sweet words. I've never been one to try to "keep up with the Jones". When I decorate, purchase gifts, buy clothes, a car, etc. It's done with thought, what can I afford to spend with out going in debt, is it something I really need or would just like to have? I look for sales, markdowns, something I can replace with and be satisfied for less, etc. I do get compliments on my wardrobe, my home, etc. My parents taught me to take care of what I had, including myself and my clothes & possessions. While the "new way" is just throw it out and buy new may be for some, it isn't my way unless its really served its usefulness and would cost more to repair than to replace, etc. You can keep up with the current trends with just purchasing items to refresh whether its your home or your wardrobe and still look like you belong in the current century! Yes, we all need to be thankful for what we do have! Your kind words always brighten my day!

  32. Image for Debbie Debbie

    Amen, I certainly needed these wonderful words today. You speak from the heart so eloquently about topics that are definitely on my mind. Thanks for being you 💕

  33. Image for Patricia Patricia

    Thank you so much for that KariAnne. You spoke to my heart. Sometimes we get caught up in the race of life where money and status is at the center, but you reminded me to step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy my life where I am now. I am enough. It's always a pleasure to follow you. You are not only extremely talented, but also very wise!

  34. Image for June June

    Oh dear friend…I like others have been drawn to read every comment posted. Some made me tearful for the challenges they are going through. Bless your heart for always speaking with heart-felt words. You are a blessing Miss Karianne❤️

  35. Image for Pam Clark Pam Clark

    And to continue the thought, if you’re not feeling satisfaction with yourself, your environment, your circumstances, whatever it is, then it’s up to you to do the things you’re able to change those things that don’t bring you satisfaction.

  36. Image for Scarlett Scarlett

    I love you EVEN more than before after reading this KariAnne! You’re SO right (and THEY get on my nerves too girl 😉). It feels like a hamster wheel some days, right? Never quiet enough, always playing catch-up. Thanks for sharing that even you (a true bundle of joy, energy & inspiration) feels this way at times. WE are all enough. So true. Big hugs! ~Scarlett

  37. Image for Gail Gail

    Thank you, dear woman! Based on the comments above, many of us needed to read this post. You're spot-on, and the most important things in life really aren't "things"; they are our health and our heart. Thanks again, from this 64 y/o who, despite all my years of living, still needs this reminder. God bless you and yours!

  38. Image for Sandra Sandra

    One of the best emails I've gotten in a long time! Thanks for your advice.... I'll be keeping this one and sharing with others!

  39. Image for Carole Kitchens Carole Kitchens

    I'm the one who needed to hear you this morning. I'm a first time commenter,but girl you've really. Got your head on straight! I love reading your blogs, you always have something I need to hear. My husband of almost four years, met on a dating website. It's my fourth marriage and his third. We're both over 65. We both sold our houses and now live in a rented duplex. But I don't believe either one of us has ever been happier. We have one car that runs well. We spend most of every day and night together at home.We shed a lot of stuff and are better off without it. We have what we need!

  40. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    Well said, KA. The biggest takeaway to it? We cannot control anyone's feelings. Social media can be a very good - but very dangerous thing if taken too seriously. My best advice - if possible with those with businesses upon which it depends- is to unplug a bit. Slow down. That rat race? No thanks. Peace be with you!

  41. Image for Kim Kim

    Yes, and more yes, Amen! "It's a mirage..." Honestly, some of the best advise you gave me just about a year ago. So many good words in this post, my friend! Thank you for always sharing your heart and pouring into so many when led!❤️😘

  42. Image for Wendy McMonigle Wendy McMonigle

    OK, I know you have a thousand comments on this post, but I still feel you need one more. I so appreciate you and your words of encouragement and the acknowledgement of the reality we live in. Thank you for sharing from your heart. If you don't mind, I would like to share this on my blog on Saturday.

  43. Image for Debbie Debbie

    Dearest Karianne, You are an Angel on earth, bringing us such joy in every post. You share your heart with us in so many ways. And you speak to us in such a sweet way that I feel that we are sharing a sweet tea across from one another and then we each go about our days. I loved your “pause”. People get so caught up on material things and keeping up with the Joneses. Pauses happen to all of us. I recently lost my BEST friend, my beautiful Mom. I have my pause. Things that were important to me, like decorating the front porch by season, taking care of the roses that I planted and brought to Mom every week, having neighbors over for the best dinner party ever, is just not important to me now. I am pausing to be thankful for the love that my parents gave to me and not for seeing the French dishes that my friend just has to have. I take comfort in family and my 2 sweet pups and not reading about new beach houses and designer buys. Pausing is healthy for the heart and for the mind. I’m not sure how long mine will last as I move through the grieving process. But I thank you Karianne for your genuineness and for reaching out to us in such sweet, loving ways. You are such a beautiful soul. Keep it coming! Hugs from HOT SC❣️

  44. Image for Sally Jo Sally Jo

    KariAnne, you are amazing. Thank you for your words of wisdom! After reading these comments I wish we could all meet. What a terrific bunch you all are girlfriends!

  45. Image for Jerry Stocks Jerry Stocks

    I live five blocks from the water and walk down most mornings with my dog Cooper. While there, I always say “This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it”.

  46. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    This. Perfectly said and what my processing of the past weeks had spoken…and there you were this morning, my beautiful friend, confirming it eloquently. Thank you.

  47. Image for Tara Tara

    Wow! I needed this! It goes right along with my thoughts on life during this trying time. I am not on fb or anything like that. I feel like it is fake. I know people that post on there so that other people will see what a glamorous life they have and the truth is it is not so glamorous. I’d rather be happy being myself then trying to impress anyone! Thanks for sharing!

  48. Image for Robyn Robyn

    I am catching up on emails and just read this blog post. It is exactly what I needed to read/hear today!!! Thanks for sharing your heart, it truly has helped mine today!

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