This week….were talking about success for the Blog Loving Tour…. the book “The Declaration of You” is on the shelves go get one!

suc·cess  [suhk-ses]

noun

1.the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors;

the accomplishment of one’s goals.

2.the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.

3.a performance or achievement that is marked by success, as by the attainment of honors: The playwas an instant success.

4.a person or thing that has had success, as measured by attainment of goals, wealth, etc.: She was agreat success on the talk show.

Every time that I have written for the “The Declaration of You” Blog Lovin tour, I have gone to the dictionary to look at the definition of the word that we’re writing about each week, as if I have never used the words before.  Each week I’m not so enthused about Webster’s description and none so much as this week.  When I read the definition of success, I felt such a knot in my stomach and at first glance, according to Webster, it appeared that success was measured by what we have attained or wealth, but as I stared at the pages, some things jumped out at me … the measurement of success is from one’s own standard.  You are the judge of your success, not your friends, not your family, not your partner, not magazines, not Oprah, not the world, but YOU.

I would bet that if “the world” looked at my life, it would not say that I’m a stellar example of success.  I’ve said to myself more than once, “well that wasn’t the best decision I’ve made”, actually it was more like “what the hell were you thinking!”  But you see, this success thing is not an all or nothing, winner or loser kinda game, it’s about choices and boy I’ve made some doosies… but the great thing is, that I get to learn from those choices, grow, and make new and better ones.  I know for me I get my best lessons on life in failures, mistakes and tuff places.  At the end of the day after I’ve fought a good fight, and I lay my head on the pillow and feel ok with what I’ve done with the day…. to me that is success! 

I’m going to share with you my most successful moments … by my standards… here goes….

1. Forgiving my father for leaving and never coming back.
2. After divorce choosing love instead of bitterness.
3. While severely depressed getting out of my pajamas…that’s it, just getting out of my jammies.
4. Loving my children when they were ungrateful.
5. Standing up for myself and asking for what I need.
6. Every night no matter how tired saying prayers with boys.
7. Working 3 or 4 jobs to support my family.
8. Taking my first road trip “vacation” just me and the kids.
9. Being the first to say I’m sorry.
10. Watching 3 grown sons and realizing they are simple amazing human beings.
11. Making the leap to full time artist.
12. Asking for help.
13. Loving my body just the way it is.
14. Trusting someone with my heart again.

Each of us has a list like this that needs to be plastered all around us to remind us that we are amazing and we are not just surviving… but growing, mending and working to be the best that we can be.

We need to be our own measuring stick for success and let all the other pressures, list and requirements fall to the ground.

Give yourself a break, pat yourself on the back, and tell yourself you have done a good job!

I want you to know that I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished!

Big smile=Shawn

“The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, with readers getting all the permission they’ve craved to step passionately into their lives, discover how they and their gifts are unique and uncover what they are meant to do! This post is part of The Declaration of You’s Blog Lovin’ Tour, which I’m thrilled to participate in alongside over 100 other creative bloggers. Learn more – and join us! – by clicking here.”