What does having it all really mean?

Everyone wants to “have it all”, but “having it all” varies from person to person. What does “having it all” mean to you? As I contemplated what it means to me, I realised just how fluid that little sentence is. How much “having it all” has changed since I’ve had kids.

In my early 20’s, “having it all” meant getting good grades in college, and still managing to party 3-4 times a week with my friends along with the freedom to travel whenever possible. Generally to a sandy beach with Palm trees on an inclusive resort. Having it all meant being successful in all areas of my life – but still having the most fun possible doing it.

In my late 20’s my life shifted from college to managing a career in IT, and an actual steady relationship with my (now) husband. Having it all at that point meant buying a house with a closet large enough for my shoe collection, finding success in my career, and eating as much All You Can Eat Sushi as possible. What can I say? Life goals.

Now, in my early 30s, “having it all” has shifted so much I don’t think my younger self would understand.  Now it means being able to pay the bills and still have money in the budget and time in my schedule for fun experiences with my family. We are already planning out our summer – a trip to African Lion Safari, a trip to Toronto Centre Island and probably a camping trip or two as well. There is just nothing better than making memories with the girls. When I see their eyes light up over a fun experience, that is when it really hits me that I finally “have it all”.

How do we manage it with two kids? I’ve always been budget concious and my late 20’s (kid-free) self even had time to sit around and clip coupons, price match and all that business. Since having kids though, I am even more mindful of our spending but I do not have the time to spend to sit around planning it all out. That is why our family heads to Food Basics to stock up on groceries – they have a great selection at much lower price points. Paying less for necessities like groceries allows our family to really “have it all” – and every cent matters!

The Food Basics  I Want It All Event

Enter On-line

Film, upload, share and win! Film a 5-15 second video answering the question: “If you won free groceries for an entire year, what would you do with the savings?” Upload the video for a chance to win one of six prizes of $1,000 in Food Basics gift cards!

Get More Chances to Win In-Store

Additionally, starting June 2nd, you can enter the contest online with in-store pin codes for the chance to win 1 of 3 grand prizes of free groceries for a year awarded in $10,000 in Food Basics gift cards. In-store teams will walk around with cameras to ask customers what “I want it all” means to them for additional chances to win. That is a whole lot of chances to win and the I Want It All event runs through to the end of June!

Enter now for you chance to win, and really be able to have it all!

What Does Having It All Mean to You?

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Food Basics, however all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!