That was the title of a speech by Wendy Kier, a fellow Toastmaster* of mine last Wednesday. Her speech was poignant for me, particularly as it resonated with my practice of Mindfulness.
Wendy pointed out that we usually related success to our ambitions that could take us years to achieve. She offered a different approach to success by looking at our goals in smaller ways. Here is Wendy's tip on success:
- Stop
- Take five minutes out of your time
- Brainstorm your successes of the week
- Pick one success
- Celebrate it
We can judge our success in many ways. Usually we judge it by how much money we make, what title we have, how much other recognize our achievements. For me, success is to live fully and deeply in the present moment.
In my daily mindful living, I often stop and come back to myself so that I can be present. I appreciate myself and life around me. I find joy and happiness in the little things that may be considered small and insignificant or taken for granted by many people. I offer my love and support to others and bring them joy.
With a day like that, I consider I have succeeded in my work and life. I celebrate it now, not tomorrow or someday in the future. Life only exists in the present moment; the past has gone and the future has not come yet.
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882) American Essayist & Poet
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(* I belong to a local Toastmaster Club – the Brighton & Hove Speakers Club. We meet twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays.)