what is real success?

#midlife blog crestingthehill.com.au

So many people think that how rich you are is how successful you are. But there are a lot of people with a pile of money who have very messy lives. They have broken family relationships, they can feel alienated and isolated or loved only for what they can provide.

As I get older (and hopefully wiser) I am coming to realize that success is measured by how content you are with the life you're living. This may involve vast sums of money, or it may involve having just enough to meet your needs. Love and connection are what truly matter - feeling a part of a family or a community or a group of friends is more valuable than dollars and cents.

Let's refocus on what we measure our success by. Let's look at people who have a smile and a winning way about them and model ourselves on them, rather than on how big our house is or how many exotic vacations we've been on. Let's focus on happiness and contentment!

14 comments

  1. Hi Leanne I always enjoy your posts and have nominated you for The Blogger Recognition award. I know that these awards are for encouragement and they are via no nation however I do think you have grown in writing and are always so supportive. This is my thank you http://www.sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au/the-blogger-recognition-award-plus-6-top-tips-for-newbie-bloggers/

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    1. that's lovely Sue - I really appreciate it and all the encouragement you give me with my blogging :)

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  2. Agree with you Leanne.. Happiness and satisfaction are all that matters at the end of the day

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    1. yes Mahathi - contentment and happiness are truly what life is about

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  3. I think when you reach midlife, this realization hits you. But then you still have a choice as to you want to give 'success' one last shot or learn to be content. As for me, like you, I choose to be content.

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    1. I agree that it's a midlife realization Corinne - I admire people that want physical success, but there is a lot to be said for contentment in my opinion!

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  4. I agree with Corinne, especially as I see friends starting to experience poor health or worse - I am fortunate to be able to get up in the morning and go to work, or take a vacation, or eat a delicious meal - and I am more than content. I am grateful. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. that's so true Alana - I'm noticing more friends with health issues as we're getting older and I don't want to have spent so much time striving that I miss out on being comfortable

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  5. I think "Amen" would pretty much fit my response, Leanne! I suppose if I had gone into a field using my Finance degree, I could have been much more 'successful' in the eyes of the world. But it's the eyes of my friends and my family (especially) that matter to me. And there are some of my in-laws (not all by any means) who look down on us a little because we our house is smallish and older, and/or because we don't have lives full of executive salaries and stress, but that just doesn't matter to me. (Not that I'd turn away winning the lottery, mind you! ;) )

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    1. Lotto would indeed be nice LuAnn but you are so right about not swapping what you have for the stress of the other type of "success"!

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  6. I love this post.. I watch my kids struggle with idea of success and I always tell them, "You have people in your life who love you, you have friends you can count on, your bills are paid, you have a full belly and at night you get to lay down in a nice, comfy bed, that's it.. The in between stuff, is just stuff. Be kind, do what you know is true and correct, and go to sleep at night with a clear mind and a loving heart.."

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    1. That sounds like a blog post in itself Mimi (advice to our children....) but every bit is so right - it's about getting your priorities straight and recognizing what is truly important in life.

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  7. Very wise thoughts Leanne thanks for this encouragement you bring to us on Fridays Blog Booster Party #24
    Kathleen

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    1. thanks for stopping by Kathleen - it's not as profound as some of the booster links, but I like the variety you have.

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