Success
Are you successful? I am amazed at how many successful human beings are thrown into a blustering panic at that question. Why? Because they continue to measure their personal success against the standards of disappointed parents or media celebrity. As a humanist, I believe that human success is the intentional development of mindfulness and compassion in all relationships. It is not a goal. It is an ongoing process. My measure of success at it is simply the measure of its practiced intent in my human mind.
I think the hesitation has to do with the fact that we are rarely successful in all aspects of our life simultaneously - so when asked the question, the answer will always be - sort of - depends on your metrics. Am I successful as a parent? As a wife? As a business person? Am I content with where I am? Yes - and no. I am happy but want to accomplish more. So, it's simply not an easy question to answer.
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