Success Is Just One’s View

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The dictionary defines success as the accomplishment of one’s goals.

A person or thing that has had success, as measured by attainment of goals, wealth, etc.:

As a woman that has overcome many struggles, I have been one that has also felt many levels of success. I was not raised in a wealthy family, but I was raised with more love than money could buy. We had parents that loved us and never gave up on us. I was raised in an environment that we worked for what we desired.

I have felt the indifference of what “class” I was in and how I thought that defined me by the neighbor-hood I grew up in and how much money we had.

I was that misunderstood kid that dropped out of high school, not knowing where I belonged, joined the United States Marine Corps and ultimately obtained a degree. I eventually had the white picket fence, the marriage, the two kids and the dog. I have also experienced the failure of a marriage when it went terribly wrong. I have judged others, have been judged equally and I find myself pondering on things that were important to me then, but now my view is so very different. Success is really diverse for everyone. So, I ask what is it anyways? Well, in the eyes of the beholder, it may be a variety of things.

Having a steady job with a 40- hour week.

Perhaps it is a two-car garage, kids in college, a pool in the backyard and you own your own car.

Hollywood fame. Everyone knows who you are.

Respect from your peers.

A church filled life.

A man or woman takes on a life of travel to go on a mission to help others.

The one who lives in the woods and survives off of the land.

Success may be shoes on your feet for some.

A couple still together after 25 years of marriage. Now with children that have blossomed into productive adults may be what life is all about.

Climbing Mount Everest or learning to sky dive.

Providing a roof over your head and a dog by your side.

The ability to have produced a child or in some culture’s a son.

To battle and/or survive this “thing” called cancer.

Completing your first marathon.

Finding a mate that supports you in all that you do. A big wedding with all of the “to do’s”.

Regaining your self-worth after surviving a destructive relationship and finding the courage to love again.

I often find myself wondering what happened to the simple things of life like learning to ride a bike after graduating from your trike or finding comfort and love in a home where family values and the golden rule still remain strong.

We are all of the same descent. We are all on this earth with a goal of survival. There is only the element of material things that separate us. Without out the perception of success there would be no “upper” or “lower” class. My success lies in growing everyday, learning from my mistakes, loving my daughter’s with all that I have and trusting in myself when I feel that I want to give up. We are just a people surviving with the tools that we are provided. In reality, we are all only as strong as our weakest link. A time may come when money has no worth and then I wonder what will ultimately separate us?