There’s a sort of trend in the world right now. At least, it’s one that I’m seeing more and more consistently. It’s that of following your dreams. But not just any dreams, it’s about following your big, lofty dreams. Dreams like traveling the world, or being a successful business owner or partner, creating a non-profit, and many others.

Sometimes I think, oh, if only I was that __________ (fill in the blank). Smart, wealthy, driven, motivated, creative, lucky. If only I had chosen that career path. If only I was that talented. If only I had the time and resources to learn that skill.

My instagram feed is full of people who paint, hand-letter, knit, design t-shirts, have mad photography and modeling skills. People who are traveling around the world, who are thriving in their business. People who are well-known for many things.

All these things are lovely, worthwhile pursuits. Creatives and business(wo)men are needed in this world, and their drive and passion and talents are appreciated. And one for one brief second I wish I could experience that

But then I take a step back and I look at my dreams, and my goals.

And they are normal, small, even mediocre dreams.

But I am well on my way to making them come true, in fact, I’m even living the dream, right now.

Growing up, all I wanted to do was be a wife and a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to live in a house, with my husband and babies, and stay home to take care of them. I wanted, I guess you could say, a suburban life. And that is what I have. And I feel extremely lucky and blessed to be able to have that dream, so early in my life.

So I need to remember – and I want you to remember – that at the end of the day, it’s ok if your dreams don’t line up with what everyone else seems to be doing, or what the world is telling you you should be doing. It’s ok if you don’t have a lot of followers on instagram. It’s ok if your circle of influence is small. What matters is that you have dreams, and that you are pursuing them.

It’s ok to want to “just” be a wife and mother. It’s ok to want to “just” have a steady, dependable job. It’s ok to want to “just” live close to where you grew up.

It’s ok.

And you know why? Because you are still following your heart. Because you are still striving to make the world a better place. Because you are still surrounding yourself with joy and love, and that’s what life is about. Life is not about having flashy clothes or being well-known, it’s about becoming who you are meant to be and who you want to be. And if that dream is to live in a small town in a house filled with kids and a husband that loves you — well then, go out and make that dream come true.