Measuring Success

I said in my first post that this is my journey to success. But, how do we measure success? Is it measured by how much money you have - or by your attitude whether you have money or not? Is it measured by how many books or articles you have published - or by the fact that you used your talents and are proud of your work - no matter who sees it or doesn't see it? Is it measured by the possessions you own - or the fact that what few possessions you do own, you worked hard to get them? Is it measured by how many people you stepped on while climbing to the top of the pile - or by the fact that whether or not you ever get to the top of the pile, you have treated everyone around you with the respect that they deserve?

Many people measure success in different ways. Some do not feel successful unless they outdo everyone around them - larger house, more expensive car, designer clothes, higher paying job, latest gadgets that ring and sing, the best of every material thing. To, me - the fact that material possessions are the only way someone can feel successful means that in all actuality, this person does not feel successful, but wants you to think he/she is.

Now, don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for your hard work. I mean, I would love to have a nice house and a nice car - a vacation in Rio or a Caribbean cruise. But, I don't need these things to measure my success. My success is measured in other ways.

I have three lovely daughters - well-mannered (in public, anyway), well-rounded (active in sports and actually care about making good grades), productive (aware that anything they obtain requires effort on their part - and I don't just mean the effort it takes to ask for it) members of society. They are also conscious of the world around them - they are eager to help others in need, they were willing to sacrifice their own possessions for those who lost theirs in Katrina, and they are always eager to do little things to help our neighbors.

Of course, we do have our typical little squabbles - and sometimes, even the little cheerleader head of the class attitude - but, they are in their growing years and that is perfectly normal. The baby of the family who is eleven years old something thinks that she is "all that" - but, she loves everyone - she just is going to have that "if you've got it, flaunt it" attitude! And, there is the normal sibling rivalry - but, when it comes down to the wire, they stand together as a unit.

I have been married for almost sixteen years - through the rough times and the good times, through the well times and the sick times - and we support one another through it all. Through all of the times when our personalities clashed because we are both quick-tempered, opinionated, and have the need to "be the boss" and run the show! But, we are still here - together, as a team, a partnership, a unit.

I get to write - whether or not it ever gets published, I get to write. And, my writing has brought comfort to my family members in times of pain, in the form of poems written especially for a loved one who has passed on to the next phase. I am so proud that my poems are read at the services of these beloved family members - not because they are being read in front of many, but because, hopefully, something I say about the loved one will bring comfort to those closest to that person.

I am not a published author - but, I am working toward that - and whether or not I am ever published, I know that I have done my very best and taken steps towards that goal rather than just wishing upon a star.

Am I successful? Maybe not on your terms, but on my terms, I am successful - and proud of what I have accomplished with the help of my family and friends! Here's to our success - yours and mine!