Daily writing prompt

What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?

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For me, “having it all” means several things.

First things first, it means having a deep and active faith in Jesus. This is the most important thing in my life, and striving to be more like Him each day brings a profound sense of purpose and peace. I’ve had that anchor in my life since I accepted Him in 1984, and I can’t imagine living life without that faith.

My “all” also includes having a loving and supportive family. This includes my wife, Daryl, who I fell in love with in 2015 and married later that year. It also means my daughter, Lizzi, who is the joy of my life, and getting to see her be a wonderful mom to my grandson, Sully. My relationships with them are paramount.

I’m also blessed to have meaningful work that makes a difference. I’ve been teaching English since 2017 (and Journalism for about five years). This has allowed me to invest in young people, and that’s incredibly fulfilling. It’s different from my past in the newsroom or as a church administrator, but at least as rewarding.

God has also blessed me with some strong, long-lasting friendships. Chief among those is my best friend, Scott Treloar, whom I’ve known since 1990 and who has been such an important part of my life. Having those deep connections is vital.

Finally, I’ve also had good (enough) health and (mostly stable) finances to make sure I can enjoy the life God has provided for me.

Now, is it attainable? I think so, but this is not a static destination but rather an ongoing journey. Life throws curveballs – I’ve seen that with my parents’ divorces and remarriages, and the deaths of my stepparents and father. My career path has also had its shifts, from Texas to Atlanta to Jacksonville. “Having it all” isn’t about never facing challenges, but about having the inner strength, faith, and support system to navigate them while maintaining joy and gratitude for what you do have. It’s about finding contentment and purpose in the everyday, rather than chasing some elusive perfect state. So, yes, I believe it is attainable, but it requires continuous effort, reflection, and a focus on what truly enriches your life.