How do you measure success? By what standard do measure the success in your marriage, in your relationships, in your career, and overall in your life? When you think about how you measure success, do you find you are successful by that standard?
“Hard work does not necessarily guarantee success,
but no success is possible without hard work.“ Dr. T.P. Chia
Recently, I was horse camping with some friends in the San Bernardino Mountains and three of us were sitting watching a new camper “move in” next door. We didn’t have cell service so no one was on the their phone and we were measuring the success of their every move: “That dog is smart. Look how he tangles and untangles himself from the tree.” “Oh, they better watch out for that rock.” “He better not back in too close to the fire pit, it could burn their rig.”
Finally, when the wife went to go for a ride on her horse and her husband (who apparently didn't ride) took their dog in hand and walked beside his wife so she wouldn’t have to “ride alone,” we all agreed, “There’s a successful marriage.”
Isn’t it amazing how something so simple could have made such a profound impression upon us that not another word was spoken for several minutes after, as each of us went into our own thoughts of success and failures of past relationships. The considerations of what we could have done better, what we wish our partners had done better, and the sadness that neither was able to find the pathway to success.
In my chiropractor’s office is this sign:
“ALWAYS tell the truth. Use kind words. Keep your promises.
GIGGLE & LAUGH. Stay happy & be positive. Love one another.
ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL. Forgiveness is mandatory. Try new things.
Say please and thank you. SMILE.”
I think most people would agree, if the world could do these simply stated acts of kindnesses without any expectations of a payback, the world would be a better place. And I think, we ALL would be a little more successful. So I challenge you today, love a little deeper, laugh a little richer, and give forgiveness more freely, and consider life a "success" each and every day you do.