"You are worthy of love & joy!"

Multi-platinum country music singer and songwriter Sara Evans feels as fortunate as they come, with a world-class career, a family she loves and timeless hits like “Suds in the Bucket” and “Born to Fly.” But she has faced her share of adversity too, including body-image issues and periods of low self-esteem. Here, how resilience, rejecting perfectionism and focusing on her nearest and dearest keep her shining bright

- Deborah Evans Price

As St. Patrick’s Day nears, Sara Evans says she is feeling luckier than ever this year. “My niece, Milly, was born on St. Patrick’s Day, so it’s a special day for our family to celebrate,” she tells Woman’s World. “But I feel lucky every day! I have been given so much. God blessed me to be able to do music and have a wonderful family—I’m especially grateful for my children. They are the one thing I’ve done right!”

Though her son and two daughters, ages 23, 20 and 18, are her proudest accomplishment, Sara’s award-winning music and bestselling autobiography, Born to Fly, prove that she’s done

many things right—often while facing challenges…as she is presently.

“My life is just full of drama,” Sara admits. “I’m waiting for a breakthrough, as we all are in the world. Something’s got to give.”

That “something” these days is Sara’s tendency toward perfectionism. “I try to be the perfect everything: the perfect mom, wife, artist and perfect for my fans. I just give, give, give, and have a hard time expecting that in return or feeling it’s okay to take care of me.”

However, the 52-year-old is trying to take a bit back for herself. “I’m not busy like I was when my kids were younger. Now that they are almost grown, I’m walking the line of being their mom and their friend, and it’s really amazing!”