Friday, April 23, 2010

Got Success?

It has been a week since I last wrote, and I am determined to keep up with blogging this go round…with readers or not! This time it is less about others and more about cataloging my successes, and turning those ventures that fall short of successes into experiences that will make me better as a creative individual.

It’s amazing the inspiration that I find in the smallest of things. Although there was far less dancing than I thought there would be in the movie FAME (a different story altogether), I found a quote that was used about success to be quite inspiring. The quote went like this:

Success is not fame, money or power! Success is waking up in the morning so excited about what you have to do that you literally fly out the door. It’s getting to work with people you love. Success is connecting with the world and making people feel. It is finding a way to bind together people who have nothing in common but a dream. Success is falling asleep at night knowing you did the best you could. Success is joy, and freedom, and friendship. Success is love!

I am coming to understand that success is more grandiose than the small space I try to cram it in. And from this quote I recognized this:

  • Success is personal - Success to one individual is not success to another. It is not about keeping up with the Jones' (whoever they are). It is about personal bench marks that are set and met.

  • Success' drive is different for everyone - Success' purpose is multi-faceted. The thing that drives one individual could be the thing that totally disinterests the next. For some it is financial, for some it is emotional, for some it is spiritual, and for some it is just about finding joy in a seemingly dismal situation.

  • Success should ignite a sense of freedom within - There is something special about accomplishing something that you set out to do. The operative word here being you. It could be a small or large feat, but a triumph for you all the same.

So this week I was successful on my own terms!


I spent much needed time helping my niece with her school project. It was a shoebox craft that everyone was made to do as a young student at one time or another. I didn’t do much but paint the outside and paste the pre-printed cards (thanks to my sister) on the top. However, my niece appreciated it, and that was more than enough.

I managed to fix some jewelry for a friend that was surprisingly relaxing. It gave me some fresh ideas for jewelry designs of my own. I researched ideas and possibilities for a new project that I will be talking about real soon. I sketched in my journal more than ever, and I made some necessary calls to those that I love dearly.
None of what I did this week was anything that was going to make me a dollar, and nothing that was going to get me recognition with the outside world. However, it made me successful in my own right!

I will continue to rejoice in the small successes that I make. I will remember to give thanks to God for each step I take to fulfill my purpose, no matter how miniscule they may be.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Success was never meant to have control of the wheel, but sit nice and pretty and enjoy the ride. Are you driving success or are you allowing success to drive you?

2 comments:

Maria said...

First of all, Thank you for blogging again. I am an avid reader of your work. You are a true inspiration. I like this sucess piece. Regrettably I have to say that success was driven by the wrong things. Now I will celebrate the small success...I love you Girl!

The Artist In Me said...

Hey Maria!

First...I love you too!

Thanks for reading and giving feedback. I am glad that I can give others a glimpse of lessons I get from my work and life.

Continue to relish in the small successes. They have no choice to become large...especially in the hands of GOD!

Be blessed!