At my age, 52, and the age of many of my friends, success is often talked about as two things. First is how much money you have or are making and second is what amazing things your kids are doing. Today I will write about the second one. Of course, we are all proud of our children and want the best for them. And I see and hear so many stories from my peers of the amazing things their kids are accomplishing, going to law school, attending this or that famous university, making huge money in their own creative business at a young age, starring on a high school or college football team. These are all good things, but are they really success? Stand alone, no, they are not.
My oldest son turned 23 this week. He has had a lot to overcome as you know if you have listened to Episode 6 of the Life in Transition Podcast. I have often thought about what success would look like for him. I see it so clearly now as he turns 23. He is caring, kind, considerate, respectful, helpful, reliable, and loving. I see it with the loving and heart-felt cards he gives to his family for all occasions. I saw it very clearly at Christmas where he gave personal and thoughtful gifts that weren’t on any lists and that were his brother’s favorite. He takes the time to really see us and respond thoughtfully. I see it in the way he reliably and responsibly does his job at the auto parts store every day. I see it in the way he cares for his intoxicated friends in the mosh pit at a heavy metal concert. I see it in the way he takes loving care of the pets. I feel it in the conversations we have. He has some rough edges, has not attended any prestigious schools, and doesn’t make a lot of money, but he is successful because he is a good person of good character who is living the life that works for him and in loving relationships. That is success.
Whatever this year brings and as you do your planning for it, think more about this kind of success than the traditional one. Is what you are doing helping you be a better person, more loving, kind, peaceful, consistent, and helping you live your life, not something you think you should do.
Have a wonderful and “successful” New Year!
Art
#success #realsuccess #relationshipsmatter #charactermatters
