3.22.11

A very good friend sent me this yesterday.


Go ahead. Read it. It's short. But mighty.


So it got me thinking about what "success" should be defined as. 


In the middle of a "Race Day" spinning class this evening (sheesh--what a workout!), the definition came to me. But it's not succinct. Like any good teacher, I must define it with examples. 


Success is not the million dollars you have sitting in the bank when you're 75. It's the promotion you got today. 


Success is not quitting smoking/drinking/drugs/biting your nails/insert other terrible addiction here. It's the first time you have the urge to do it again, and you don't.


Success is not being declared cancer free (although that is worthy of quite the celebration). It's hearing yesterday that your tumor has shrunk and the treatment is working.


Success is not running a marathon. It's the training run you didn't think you could do because it was farther than you've ever run, and you did it. 


Success is not perfecting a handstand in the middle of a yoga studio. It's showing up to your mat and just letting yourself breathe. 


Success is not getting remarried after a divorce and declaring yourself "over" your ex and moving on. It's the first time you don't cry when you think about it, when you smile at your strength, and feel the confidence that comes in knowing you did the right thing. 


Success is not raising the perfect child and sending them out the door at age 18. It's the moment--that occurs time and again--of absolute beaming pride for your child's accomplishments.


Success is reveling in the moments of your life that have made you who you are. It's about being present. It's about sending out the big intentions to the universe, and then celebrating the little victories as you make your way there.