“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I've been getting noticed lately. Gratitude has been expressed to some of those who pointed and said, "hey, in case you haven't seen it yet, look at what she's doing." Wonder has been prominant in the mind of the girl who never really thought much of herself despite accomplishments. Ruthie's question, "are you afraid of success?" has taken center stage for me these days. It seems I'm on the brink of something a lot bigger than what I'm used to. Deciding what steps to take has merely anchored me to one spot on the ground while my head is busy spinning in circles.
Emerson's quote is one of my favorites. It reminds me that success is not measured in dollars. You can't convince the wise person that you are successful by driving a fancy car or wearing designer clothes.
On the other hand, there's something to be said about earning enough money to live all on your own. I've spent my whole life wondering what it would be like to make money for myself instead of earning a salary from someone else. I also found it is much safer to dream about those things than to actually try to go out and grab it. Less satisfying of course, but much safer.
I've been offered some opportunities that could very well put me a few steps closer to earning that living without relying on a day job. Secretly I'm kind of scared and nervous. Okay, maybe not so secretly. I might just take advantage of some of those opportunities, no matter how scary.
So off I go on the scary road of the unknown to find some monetary success. Maybe I'll win the respect of intelligent people (like Emerson said) on the way.
So on and on you go, the seconds tick the time out
There's so much left to know, and I'm on the road to find out
Cat Stevens
3 comments:
I love the wisdom of Emerson; his words have helped me through many an existential puzzle, both work-related and in general life. I am on a similar road to you (though traveling far behind you and with no day job since I was laid off in 2009 which led me to give my artistic desires an honest effort). Your words are so easy to relate to. Wishing you all the best success in your journey.
You go, girl. Feel the fear ...
and do it anyway.
Godspeed!
Oh S, you are so wise; and have just said very eloquently and understandably what many of us feel. Thanks for putting it out in words. I suspect you will find/make happiness whichever path you choose. There will be challenges, joys, hardships, difficulties, easy-peasies no matter which way you go. Best wishes to you in wending the path through life. And many thanks for sharing your thoughts along the way. Hugs, Jane
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