A Successful Life

What makes a successful Life?

It is not as it appears

Most would make you think

It's found in the high paying jobs

Or in the upper levels of academia

But it's not

A successful life is found:

In a child's cuddle

Or a laugh of delight

It's in the clasp of a hand

Or a goodnight kiss

It's served with a prepared meal

Or grown by the streams of labored sweat

Success is found:

In long midnight talks

It's wrapped in the warmth of a hug

Or a gentle and kind word

What makes a successful life?

It's easier than it appears,

Closer than you'd think.

It's found in the simple things of life

And in the most common and unseen moments

Make it so.

Commentary:

I was contemplating the drive a lot of people have to bring up their numbers on social media, and wondering why so many people seem to depend on their high numbers and popularity to determine their success.  In addition to that, how a lot of people seem to think the meaning of success is to get to the highest totem pole in whatever endeavor they pursue.  I've been mulling over those ideas and wondered if that is really what success is or should be.  It seems so limited to define success in such a way when everyone is told they can succeed.  I'm not demeaning those who fight for the higher positions.  It is quite a noteworthy accomplishment; however, I want to suggest that there are other ways to live a successful life.

For me, the most successful life is at a more personal level.  It's not always what we accomplish, but has everything to do with the people you associate with at whatever level you are at in life.  In my personal opinion, when a person is aged and nearly the end of life, he or she is not reviewing what certificate or degree hangs on the wall so much as the people who have come and gone in it, and the different relationships that occurred as a result.  I would find the end of my life more satisfying and successful if it ended with arguments resolved, hatred non-existent, and love in its full power.