"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."
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NOW, ARE YOU SUCCESSFUL?
According to Emerson's great words, I would say I am successful in many areas of my life. I do laugh often, because there is a lighter side to life(humor is contagious). Through hard work and being the best person I can be, I have won the respect of intelligent people and children(family, co-workers, friends). I certainly appreciate the beauty life has to offer, in all it's forms(sometimes you have to look for it, but it's there), and I think I will leave the world a better place, because I give 100% of myself(or certainly strive to). Also, just knowing I've helped one person, or made their life just a bit easier...there's no greater feeling in the world to me. I haven't always felt this way about myself, and if this question was asked of me ten years ago, I would have replied with a big fat NO. I think any success in life is hard won, otherwise we wouldn't appreciate it.
That's the word, Kyle -- appreciation. Appreciate our blessings & ourselves; appreciate life & try to give back something in return. When I came across Emerson's poem, I found it so true & really interesting & inspiring. We work our asses out to be "successful", yet being truly successful is quite that simple after all. And, it feels good to know that we can easily be or already are successful in our own little way, doesn't it?
Yeah, it really does feel good. One small success at a time can slowly build up and make us feel that we've accomplished something worthy of ourselves and others. It's how we measure success that defines us as individuals. Very true, Annadel.
All Answers
heather_june
Heather - 'THING' !!!! / Addams Family Camper!!!
Answered 5 months ago
3
Now you have mentioned it, I hope so, YES! I do like to put a smile on people's faces, that is what counts at the end of the day.
Additional Details added 5 months ago
I think failure is measured because we didn't bother, all we can do is try and just in doing that, we have succeeded.
Exactly, Heather! Failing does not make one a failure. We only fail when we give up trying. "Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." (Marilyn vos Savant)
I love Emerson. His description of success is both excellent and correct. Have I been successful? I don't know. Only time will tell. I have tried to live a good life and I have tried to teach my child to do the same. I love to laugh and I love to make people laugh. It is not my goal to impress others, but if by my actions and comportment, I earn the respect of others and the trust of children, then I must be doing something right.
I have withstood the betrayal of false friends and continue to do so, and if I somehow cause honest crititics to see me for who I am, and thus learn their respect, then I am happy. One has only to open their eyes to see the beauty in this world, including that in what outwardly appears to be ugly. This is how we see the inner beauty of others and can begin to find the good there.
I can only hope that by what I was brought up to believe and imparting that wisdom and knowledge to my own child, that I can possibly leave things just a little bit better for my having been here. Our children are our legacy. They will inherit our world and with great hope, it will improve.
SUCCESS FOR THE DEMON IS:-
BEING ABLE TO FIND MY PANTS,
BEING ABLE TO STAGGER HOME
AND GETTING IN THE FRONT DOOR
WITHOUT THE DOG BITING ME ON THE ARSE !!!
... Hehe !!!
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According to Emerson's great words, I would say I am successful in many areas of my life. I do laugh often, because there is a lighter side to life(humor is contagious). Through hard work and being the best person I can be, I have won the respect of intelligent people and children(family, co-workers, friends). I certainly appreciate the beauty life has to offer, in all it's forms(sometimes you have to look for it, but it's there), and I think I will leave the world a better place, because I give 100% of myself(or certainly strive to). Also, just knowing I've helped one person, or made their life just a bit easier...there's no greater feeling in the world to me. I haven't always felt this way about myself, and if this question was asked of me ten years ago, I would have replied with a big fat NO. I think any success in life is hard won, otherwise we wouldn't appreciate it.