Each week I want to share a successful woman's story on this platform. This week Erin Coufal talks about redefining what success means to her and how helping people overcome homelessness has inspired her.
If you are a successful woman who wants to share your story email me at jodeekenney@gmail.com
Each day people struggle to maintain housing, get a job, or find their next meal. A big success is moving into their own apartment, but it takes a million small victories to get there.
When your job is to witness these daily struggles and victories, it changes you. You gain perspective, as well as an appreciation for a much broader definition of success.
Years ago I owned a condo in NYC, worked in an interesting job, enjoyed fun travel, and socialized with friends often -- life was very satisfying. Then my husband and I had our first child. Our sweet, blue-eyed boy embraced our adventures, and I was fortunate enough to stay home with him to enjoy every trip to the park, museum, and play date with new friends. Again, life was satisfying and more than good. However, I'm not sure I would have considered myself successful. At that moment, my definition of success included promotions, bonuses, and lavish vacations, but I struggled to define a successful life.
When I got pregnant with my daughter, I longed for a yard and space to spread out. I convinced my husband to take a job transfer up to Albany so we could live near family. We bought and renovated a house, picked out paint colors and furniture, and stressed over the budget as we repaired foundation issues. This pregnancy wasn’t as smooth as the first -- two kids, new house, new town, new car, and new post-partum hormones. It took a while for life to settle in and despite all of these new wonders, I felt utterly unsuccessful. As any mom can tell you, the craziness and monotony of daily life can be taxing. You love your littles but lose yourself.
I was restless, and when I realized that I needed more, I accepted a position as Communication Manager at a local non-profit organization. The guests we work with are homeless or from low-income families, and I appreciate the opportunity to tell the stories of those who are no longer sleeping in the park, who are overcoming addiction or domestic abuse, or working through mental illness. These individuals rejoice in their successes and share their triumphs with broad smiles. I delight in the opportunity to write and hear others’ success stories, and because of that, I appreciate the triumphs of everyday life. Success is easier to see when it is someone else’s narrative.
Today I don’t look far out into the future to define success, and I don’t look back into the past to stress over the failures. I count the smiles around the dinner table and delight in the snuggles as I tuck my children into bed. I feel happy, knowing that between my family and my work, I am able to make a difference in our community. Over the years my definition of success has evolved, and as a result, I fall asleep each night with a grateful heart.
