“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” –Henry Ford
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” –Alice Walker
“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.” George Edward Woodberry
Success isn’t measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace. Mike Ditka
Maybe we envision success as being able to sit at the beach, watch the waves, and take time from work whenever we want. It may mean to others, being able to travel, and buy what they want, without waiting for the sales. Another may consider it being able to pay outright for their children’s college, and cars and maybe homes. Whatever the thoughts, most of us think in terms of money and material gain. We just can’t get away from it, and I must admit that money makes things easier and relieves stress.
What we cannot see, unless we suddenly have a change in financial terms, is the problems that might possibly develop, if we did gain wealth. I am not saying that everyone rich is guaranteed tribulations, or that the wealthy make poor choices. I am saying that being rich doesn’t alleviate stress or setbacks. As a matter of fact, we may perhaps develop more predicaments.We all like to think we are resistant to temptations, but it is one thing to say it and another to do it. Temptations abound, and more so when there is money involved. There is more free time, and money buys a lot of desires. What may begin as an interest, can develop into a habit. Not that all will succumb, but perhaps by dispersing the money among relatives and friends we leave them vulnerable. We may send some of them down a lethal path with our money.
My rambling is basically to comment on the fact that money is not the end all or be all. As a matter of fact, people state that money contributes to a better home life and success at school. The actual truth is Love is the first contributing factor for success, at anything in life, including relationships.
If we dwell on pushing our kids to compete and wipe out the competition, they may miss the opportunities of friendships, with a variety of people in the process. Again it is not to say don’t compete. It is to say reflect on your message. Compete with honor and grace. Be thankful for the win, and respectful of the competitor that lost. In losing we always gain strength to get up and move on. That is not true with winning. Losing usually teaches a depth of understanding. We are more than a game or job or whatever we competed for. We are never defined by one experience in time.
Success is actually, in my opinion, maintaining positive and loving relationships, with whomever we come into contact with, throughout our lives. Wow that is an awesome thought. All it requires is our understanding more than we are understood. It enables us to come to the support of others, regardless of whether or not we received aid from them. Most people may forget the kindnesses but higher powers never do.
Success is having faith in us, even when the road is dark and dreary. Money doesn’t block out these kinds of days. We all experience despair. Hope in a brighter day is paramount to survival. When we are going through difficult times, we are not thinking about money, but instead comfort and love from each other. On those days a warm body, surpasses a million pieces of paper.
I just believe that our ability to see the reality allows us to stop the envy, and jealousy, along with the insecurities they bring. The person who is a frequent winner, will eventually lose. When they do, they will search for people to comfort them. If they have stopped believing in the power and love of others, they will be destitute for love. A person of little means who has been cultivating love his entire life, will be met with wealth beyond measure, due to the unlimited love he receives. The best part is we can be rich or poor and gain and receive love.
Being successful is due to friendships and love. Yes people disappoint us, but we often do the same thing. Forgive, move on, and accept what you receive, but give as much as you can. Offer without any thoughts of judgment or gain in your actions. You will be building a storehouse of wealth beyond measure. Your priorities are solid. Love always outweighs money, and material gain. In this respect the person with the most friends, and love surrounding them, is the one who is successful. Define success as you will, but my idea always fills me with contentment, and love. I am thankful for all those who touch my heart regularly, as well as those who have touched my heart in the past, and those who will bring love in the future. They are my treasures.
“Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your Love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord And where there’s doubt, true faith in You. Oh, Master grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand. To be loved as to love with all my soul. Make me a channel of your peace Where there’s despair in life, let me bring Hope Where there is darkness, only light And where there’s sadness, ever joy. Make me a channel of your peace. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. In giving to all men that we receive. And in dying that we’re born to eternal Life.” Susan Boyle
“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” –Unknown
