Success
The Encarta Dictionary defines success as:
1. achievement of intention
the achievement of something planned or attempted
2. attainment of fame, wealth or power
impressive achievement, especially the attainment of fame, wealth or power
I lived the first half of my life chasing #2, and–at the expense of everything else in my life–I got there. I was successful; successful by corporate standards.
The real part of the above sentence is found between the em dashes, however. There's the heart of the story. I’ve grown to understand that there is no such thing as success at the expense of everything else in life.
Because when I was successful, I was a mess. I traded my life for the pursuit of success and all its trappings. And success didn’t feel very successful.
So I gave it up. I radically changed everything. Now I am truly successful, as defined by the achievement of intention; #1 above.
I intended to change and I did.
- I intended to become a writer and I am.
- I intended to spend more time with my parents as they transition into older age and I do.
- I intended to find someone to walk the path of life with and I have.
- I intended to be a better woman, daughter, wife, aunt, sister, niece, mentor and friend–and I am.
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This post is in participation with the Group Blogging Experience, and this week’s topic is success. If you want to blog with us, go to the GBE2 Facebook page and request to join the group. Everyone is welcome.
YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!! b e a u t i f u l
ReplyDeleteso refreshing thank you!!
Love it! So many times the goal is not what we anticipated, while achieved, it does not equal any measure of happiness and therefore, not success. Goals change and we change and in your case, it all seems like a great thing. Well written and very well done! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful happiness is a great measure of success!! Loved this post!! Cheers, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteThat is success! :O)
ReplyDeleteSuccess is what you make it, and you made it :) Stay happy *hugs*
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to live by your own definition of success and not be swayed by what society considers success. You should be proud of accomplishing the goals you set and finding your own success. I'm working on it but still have days where I see my life in terms of societal measures of success and get depressed even though most of the time I like my life.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I think everyone has a different idea of success. Mine has nothing to do with spending my life doing something I'm not interested in just so that other people can look at me and say, "Wow! She has such a successful career!"
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read that you achieved #2, I thought...WOW...she hit the jackpot!...that is, until I continued to read and found out it was at the expense of everything else so I'm glad that you found success in everything that you wanted.
ReplyDeleteIf achieving fame, wealth or power is at the expense of everything else, than that seems unfair to the person who has this great accomplishment.
What you found was something great and I hope that more women and men reach that success, by being able to achieve the specific goals that they have in life.
Cheers to you! and may you continue to enjoy the achievements of your intentions. :)
The Madlab Post
Wonderful post! It amazes me to read about so many Hollywood Stars who have totally messed up social lives. Success is more than achieving number two - unless, of course, you're one of those really, really old people with bowel troubles. ;-) -Bad pun.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
I love this post.
ReplyDeleteI see so many people around me climbing the ladder (at work) and I just watch. I see the stress they are under for a few extra bucks. It's not worth it. I love my job, but I love leaving it at work, so that I can focus on what I love at home (my family and writing).
The Write Soil
This is wonderful!! It gives hope to everyone that reads it that good things are possible, can, and will happen when the time is right. You just had to find your inner peace, analyze what you really wanted, and go out and get it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
Kathy
http://www.thetruckerswife.com/
Well, truly a success story. You found the key.
ReplyDeletePam
A Pirate Looks Past Sixty
Yes, living with intention is great!
ReplyDeleteLiving with intention - I really like that!
ReplyDeleteI could have sworn I left a comment on here, and when I wondered why it was still on my screen the next day, I realized it never took. Just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed this blog and you truly are successful, just as you intended ;)
ReplyDeleteIntention...I believe that you are the only one to have used that word, and I love it. It certainly isn't easy to live with intention. Good for you! Nice blog!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, you won the Overlord award! Pop by my place to pick it up ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful, thought-provoking post. So glad to discover your blog through your comments on Bluebell Books.
ReplyDeleteYes, how we measure success has evolved into materialistic, selfish fulfillment. We must balance our need to pay the bills and want material things with spiritual fulfillment, sharing love, giving to others, and becoming mentors.
ReplyDeletegreat post! the measure of success is happiness, i quite agree. :D
ReplyDeletenutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Success is multifaceted as I see it. There is the perception of others and how we see ourselves. There are levels and steps. It is lateral and ascending. Success has many definitions but the result should be a sense of contentment without complacency. We should never stop wanting to be better and never stagnate with regret of our failures.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
OH, Langley. Boy did I need this reiteration today!!! I am with you about defining success.
ReplyDeleteWe (he and I) now live our lives full of passion for ALL of it. And everything always works out just the way it's supposed to.
SUCCESS!
Thanks for sharing :)
oh, almost forgot, I've given you an award today on my blog :) SWEET!
Cheers,
San