Coaching Corner: This is to have succeeded

How do you define success in your life? Have you really thought about it?

Our culture tends to tip toward the material in terms of success. Or power and influence. What does success look like to you? 

My sister recently had a new little baby, my nephew Brandt. Seeing pictures of this brand new person takes me back to a tv show I saw a few years back called A Baby Story. A film crew follows along parents during the pregnancy stage and through birth. In this episode, the crew was filming just moments after the child was born and placed in its mothers arms. The new parents were asked what they wanted for their baby out of life. All the mother could answer was that she wanted him to be happy. In this joyful moment where a whole life is stretched out before them, all these parent could wish for was that their child would be happy. Not that he would be a CEO of a large company, or have a garage full of cars or be good looking! Their wish was that the child was happy.

I found this one quote a while back that I return to when I am looking for some perspective and purpose in life. 

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We do not need to move mountains to be successful. Notice that he does not say is a life free from trials and hardships. By staying true to the little things, celebrating the joys of life and enduring trials with hope, you will be successful. 

I believe health is our greatest asset in life. It is what stays with us through the ups and downs and allows us to interact with the world. It allows you to be at your best self and live a fully engaged life. This is true success, this is happiness. Every deed and interaction no matter how small can change a life for the better. Life is full of opportunities.

Take a minute and make a list of the way that you have been successful. What strengths and experiences can you take from these successes and apply them to be successful in your health and wellness journey?

[caption id="attachment_6813" align="alignleft" width="420" caption="Brandt, my nephew"][/caption]