Settle for More

by Megyn Kelly

overslept and got to the breakfast table late. Pete had eaten all of the marshmallow charms out of the Lucky Charms box. I was left with only the cereal. “Mom! MOM!” I yelled to her. “All the charms are gone!” In response to which she opened the kitchen cupboard and pointed to her favorite sign: “Lack of Planning on Your Part Does Not Justify an Emergency on My Part.”

A life lesson never to forget

However low you are, there is always something to feel proud of, and however high you are, there is always something to humble you.

Always a life lesson to follow

“The only difference between you and someone you envy is, you settled for less.”

Always a life lesson for life satisfaction

But I saw for myself that being a moneymaking machine is pointless. It pays the bills but leaves no time for deposits into the You Fund, which doesn’t need money when it’s depleted.

Life satisfaction

business consultant Laura Garnett calls the “zone of genius,” meaning the place where one’s top talent combines with one’s passion—with what one really wants.

Life satisfaction

We’re teaching our kids that moms support dads and dads support moms and the main goal is that the family unit thrive. They are learning the importance of true connection, because they see and feel and live it in our home. They are also learning that being unhappy at the office long-term is not acceptable. We want our kids to think, I can do better than that. I can find something that invigorates me. We want them to be excited and challenged by what they do. To find that, you have to get a good education. You have to work hard for good things to happen.

Life satisfaction

conflict resolution is a gift to yourself.

Words of wisedom

Because that wasn’t me. My commitment to myself is to settle for more. Yet here I was, ready to accept a life of stress and attempted bullying that could go on for years.

Reflection and similarities

Imagine if I’d had no conflict prior to this. If I’d had no practice in how to shore myself up. If I’d only existed in my “safe space” with my “trigger warnings,” I’d have had no means of coping. This is why the Cupcake Nation mentality—“Everyone’s a winner!”—is so dangerous. When we try to protect the young from any vaguely uncomfortable ideas or encounters, we do them a grave disservice. Being tested by different viewpoints in my life, being sometimes offended or occasionally hurt, or even targeted, is a big part of what prepared me for the challenges I’ve faced in my career—especially this past year. I had done the grueling sit-ups and my core was strong. I could withstand some gut punches.

Loving the mix between physical and mind ; enduring with strength