You can be a success...blah, blah, blah.

[the_engineer2]

I hear so much rhetoric about how I can "get ahead in life", "achieve your dreams", etc

Comments

I think success is overrated

[loverocats]

Actually, the worldly success of fame, money power is over-rated. How many of those people in any of those categories get to come home after work and truly chill. They have to think about their next move, what this person or that person is saying about them, if their next work of art will do well--how many people do they have to worry about if they screw up their job and those people are out of a job. I think we all need to spend some time defining what "success" means to us and then work toward that goal.

[the_intuitive]

I think "success" is inherent and fully possibly within each of us. Maybe if you are having a hard time, then it is the goal, rather than the route to the goal that is the problem. The Buddhist might say (I'm just guessing here) that seeking outside yourself for something is a journey traveled in vain. [But then, this is said by a guy who meditates 12 hours a day, so where else is he going to get his info? heeehee]

I think you ARE a success, D. You always have been, and you always will be. It's how you choose to measure that success that determines your state of mind =) [Now, I'll go off and try to apply these concepts to myself]

[riktiktavi]

I believe we get so caught up in success in our careers that we forget to think about the successes we have in other parts of our life. You have successfully raised two children, you have a successful marriage, you successfully achieved becoming a Grand Toastmaster, you successfully got involved in hiking, and you have successfully improved your health. All in all I think you are an extraordinarily successful person.

Thanks for the encouragement and affirmation

[the_engineer2]

Though I wasn't seeking affirmation from y'all, I certainly do appreciate it. I do feel successful in all major areas of my life--spirituality, relationships, health, and I'm glad my best friends see it that way as well.

Though LOC doesn't like the way this sounds, I truly feel that if I dropped over dead right now, I would be content with my experiences and accomplishments. The only major remaining items are being able to travel with LOC to far-away places, and seeing my children reach their twenties.

Anyways, the gist of my original comment stems from a frustration at the Oprah-ization of things, the rah, rah, you can do it kind of approaches. Perhaps I could call it the Cosby-ization--a doctor married to a lawyer with several happy children, and they always solve their problems in 23 minutes.

I will channel this frustration by collecting my thoughts on the topic, and write it down.

Re: Thanks for the encouragement and affirmation

[loverocats]

I just don't like the drop dead part--the part about you being happy and content--is great!!
LOC