What Survival Really Looks Like (Spoiler: It’s Not Pretty)

By: Allison Westrup Pianka

Morning Guilt

Today, I woke up happy.

The house was quiet. My daughter was at my mom’s. I had coffee, silence, Judge Judy, and a

glimmer of rest. I felt good.

And then—I felt ashamed. Because peace, for me, only comes when my child isn’t here.

The Cost of Being “Fine”

I wasn’t supposed to end up like this. And although I’m not at fault, I carry the guilt of it. I also carry the weight of expectation. I was supposed to have it all. And I lost everything.

MyPath is a way for me to keep going. Like a shark. Because stopping means drowning.

I can’t find help for Hannah, so I’m bringing it to her.

Final Thoughts

I used to want things—titles, homes, accolades. Now I want survival. Laughter. A few hours of

sleep. And maybe a Range Rover.

If you’ve lost your way, redefined success, and found strength in chaos—welcome to the club.

We’re not winning by the old standards.

But we’re still here.

Still swimming.

Still mothering in the mess.