Through My Eyes: Finding My Place in a World That Doesn't Define Me

There are days when I feel like I am standing in the middle of two worlds—neither fully belonging to one nor the other. I am not just a stay-at-home mom, yet I am not a career woman. I am educated, ambitious, and full of ideas, yet my work does not fit neatly into a corporate box. I have spent years building, creating, learning, and sacrificing—yet to the world, I still feel unseen.

I have raised my children single-handedly, homeschooled them, and built businesses while they played at my feet. I pursued degrees while managing a household, launched initiatives while making dinner, and dreamed big dreams in the quiet hours after everyone was asleep. Yet, in social circles, I still feel the need to explain myself—as if my life choices require justification.

I have ever only wanted a family of my own, because of the way I grew up. I lacked the security of a stable home, and I longed for something different. Now, I have that—a loving family, a life I built with intention—and yet, I find myself seeking more. But what if all I need is already right here? What if my purpose is not in chasing something external, but in appreciating the beauty of what I have created? I am thankful that I can seek more, but I am just as thankful that I don’t have to.

In my own unique way, I bring monetary gain in small ways and support my family in other large ways. I have worked since I was 15 years old. I have experienced the corporate world, worked in many industries, and never do I crave a 9-5 slave train again. More than that, I have been able to cultivate a life of hospitality—opening my home to friends and family, hosting gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and love. I have created a space where people feel welcome, where birthdays and milestones are celebrated with intention, where community is built one meal, one conversation, one heartfelt gathering at a time.

Not everyone takes on the effort of hospitality, but for me, it has been a joy. It is a way of showing love, of making others feel seen and valued. That, too, is a meaningful part of my life’s work.

When asked what I do, I hesitate. Do I tell that I am a homeschooling mom? A stay at home mom? Do I tell them about my degrees? My businesses? Or do I simply smile and nod, knowing that no matter how I answer, I will never fit into the neat categories that make people comfortable?

For years, I thought that the problem was me—that I was directionless, unfocused, or just not cut out for a career. But then I realized something: I am not lost. I am simply building a life that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. As my husband so wisely put it - we are not defined by the paycheck we bring into this life but by the hard work we do unto God.

To the Woman Who Feels Like She’s Floating Between Worlds

If you have ever felt this way—like you are juggling roles, like you are accomplishing so much yet have nothing to “show” for it in the world’s eyes—I want you to know this: You are not failing.

You are probably a very creative individual, multi-faceted, multi-talented, and meant for more than a single label.

Some of us were not made to take the traditional path. Some of us were meant to carve our own way, even if it takes longer, even if it feels messier, even if it makes us question ourselves at times.

Redefining Success on Our Own Terms

Success is not a paycheck. There was a time when a paycheck did not even exist yet men and women of old worked tirelessly. It is not just a title. It is not something that can be measured by a LinkedIn profile or a resume.

Success is raising a family with love and intention. Success is pushing through the exhaustion and still finding time to dream. Success is choosing to pursue your passions, even when the path isn’t clear. Success is knowing when to rest and trust that clarity will come. Success is creating a home where others feel loved, welcomed, and at peace.

We live in a society that celebrates people who climb ladders, but what about the ones who build entirely new paths? What about the women who don’t take shortcuts, who balance family and ambition, who refuse to settle for a life that doesn’t align with their values?

To the Woman Who Feels Like She Has to Prove Herself

You don’t.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You don’t have to justify why your path looks different. The people who truly matter—the ones who love you—will not measure you by titles or salaries. They will see your heart, your resilience, and your quiet victories.

I also know that for some of us, the weight we carry is heavier. Living with connective tissue disease, fibromyalgia, and depression is a battle unseen by many. The world may not always understand the daily struggles of pushing through pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty—but you are still here. You are still showing up. That in itself is an accomplishment.

If you feel like you are floating between worlds, know that you are not alone. There are many of us here—navigating this space, figuring it out as we go, trusting that our purpose will reveal itself in time.

And when that purpose comes into focus, it will not be because you forced it or because you needed to prove something—it will be because you were patient enough to let it find you.

Until then, keep going. Keep trusting. Keep being exactly who you are.

Because who you are is already enough. 💛

Kari <3