“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” -Thomas Edison
Oh, success. How I have longed for you for so many years… but haven’t we all? I used to believe success meant a mansion on a hill and endless amounts of money. Even when I sat down to right this post, I could not remember the exact definition of success. I was shocked with what I read.
Success: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
It did not say anything about your house, the brand of clothes you wear, the car you drive or your financial status. It is simply saying to complete your purpose. This means if your goal is to be happy and spread positivity to others, and you put a smile on someone’s face… you succeeded. If your goal is to be more patient, and you smile instead of scowl at the elderly lady crossing the street… you succeeded.
All of this may sound silly, but I feel like there is so much pressure and anxiety that comes with the word success. And it doesn’t have to be that way. Society has told us that money and fame make you successful. While wanting money and fame is not bad, that’s not what it’s about. The definition of success will be different for everyone, and it is nobody’s place to judge what that will be. One person may consider success having a family while the other considers it living on their own. One may think it’s working at an animal shelter, but the other thinks it’s owning their own business. These scenarios are different, but they are all just as important.
I hope you realize if you have conquered whatever you set out to do, you have triumphed. No matter how big or small the deed. If I could reach through the screen right now, I would give you a big hug, and tell you how proud I am of you. Because I am.
All my love,
