Erika G.

⁠ It's a surprisingly personal question; no one else can decide how you measure your own success and it's allowed to evolve over time. My definition has certainly transformed over the past 7 years as I shifted from focusing on how life looks to how life feels.⁠ ⁠ I used to think success was about checking boxes and collecting gold stars: I was a corporate-climbing mom who could "do it all and do it with a smile". It looked great on the outside. ⁠ But, on the inside, I felt hollow and like I was never doing enough. There was always more to do/be/achieve. When my infant daughter had serious spinal surgery 7 years ago, it made me reevaluate how I was living, and for whom. Thankfully, she’s healthy, but it became the pivot point where my life has since become before and after.⁠ Now I know success means having the courage to create a life of authenticity and impact. By letting go of who I think I should be, it freed me up to embrace who I am and who I am to become.⁠ We are most impactful when we’re most authentic so, ultimately, success is living into my full range and building a life aligned with my values, purpose and gifts in order to inspire others to do the same. ⁠ I am humbled and honored to be included in Steve Ewert Photography's series on Successful Women in Chicago.⁠ I'd love to hear from you: What does success mean to you? How has your definition evolved?