Another Question, if I May...

by AGuest 21 Replies latest jw friends

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  AGuest

  May you all have peace! I would like to know, if you wish to share with me and board, (1) how YOU define "success"... meaning, as to life; and (2) whether you consider yourself "successful". If you will, please share how you define it for yourself... and/or whether that includes how you define it for others. I truly hope you don't get trite, cliche, anecdotal, or sarcastic, but share with us what you REALLY believe/feel/think.

  I will start: For ME, I define "success" as peace of mind. Mine.

  I would also say that it's one of the highest gauges of success for everyone (except those whose minds are "sick" - those who achieve peace of mind through depravity... or those whose minds are unable to discern that should NOT be at peace on a matter). I do realize that there are things that may contribute to peace of mind... or a lack thereof... but won't go into that here.

  I do believe I am more than moderately "successful", but not absolutely successful; however, I think that being a woman is what sometimes stands in the way of my being completely successful (we tend to "worry" about a lot more than we should/need to, even the "small stuff", is all I mean).

  So... what say you?

  Again, peace to you all!

  A slave of Christ,

  SA
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  stillin

  peace of mind is good. leisure time is good. a measure of happiness is good. freedom from those who want you to be miserable is good (remember, misery likes company.) having some control over your own life is good. That doesn't mean controlling others: that only leads to something that isn't good.
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  sizemik

  The following quote sums up my definition of success . . . and says it better than I can.

  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 to 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

  The first time I saw this, it was pinned to my neighbours fridge 40 years ago. He is a retired builder who was instrumental in the voluntary construction of an indoor sports centre for the local town. He and his wife have raised a family and now have great-grandchildren. They still live in the family home he built 50 years ago. Since retiring they have propagated and planted over a million native trees and have an award C/- the queen of England for their efforts. They still tend their large vege garden. They have made an enemy of nobody. He is now 91, and she is 90. The quote is still on their fridge.
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  exwhyzee

  Success to me isn't something one arrives at, like one arrives at a bus stop. Rather it's in finding a measure of contentment, no matter what direction ones life has currently taken.
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  watson

  To me, success is having choices.
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  poppers

  I think success is when you realize what you really are; that leads to what AGuest and exwhyzeee define as success.
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  Lozhasleft

  Hello Shelby ... At the risk of sounding sycophantic I will say that before I finished reading your first para I had answered to myself 'Peace of mind'. Then I read on and saw that we agree.

  However, it's a strange ol' thing this 'peace of mind'. It seems ( I can only speak for myself ) to take a lot of time/maturity to even realise we need it or consider its value. I wish I'd sought it earlier in life. I was busy chasing other goals, and missing the most important one.

  Perversely, once we have it we also understand the futility of other types of 'success' which become somewhat empty without it.

  Grief, you've set me off rambling now!

  @Sizemik What a lovely story. I love the quote...says it all really.

  Loz x
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  exwhyzee

  Sizemik's story make me want to be that successful too.
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  agonus

  All of the above :)
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  OnTheWayOut

  Peace of mind is a great answer.

  I also want to maintain my integrity and have one or two genuine true friends in my life.

  Monetary success is nice but not necessary.