In quiet reflection, I often ponder the evolution of success. This concept, so deeply ingrained in our collective psyche, has undergone a significant transformation, particularly in the 21st century. My journey through life has led me to challenge the conventional notions of success, embracing the shifts in societal values that redefine what it means to truly achieve and be fulfilled.
Every morning, as the first light of dawn breaks the horizon, I step out onto the back porch of our house, greeting the day with a ritual that grounds me. There, I take a long, contemplative look over my property, embracing the ever-changing beauty of the landscape that unfolds before my eyes. This vista, with its vivid reminder of nature’s cycles and transformations, stands as the most tangible testament to the fruits of hard work, dedication, and determination. It’s a personal emblem of success, born from countless hours of labor and care.
Our worth, once measured in character and deeds, is now quantified in likes, followers, and digital validations. These arbitrary numbers are a strange new currency of self-esteem, where our social interactions are distilled into metrics, becoming a scoreboard for something as intangible as human connection.
Thomas Slatin—The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
Ironically, this very symbol of my achievements has stirred disbelief among some. The pictures I’ve shared online, intended to celebrate the beauty of my surroundings, have led to accusations of deceit. Critics claim I’m merely capturing images of a nearby public park, attempting to pass it off as my own. Yet, in the quiet morning hours, as I gaze across the land that I have nurtured, I am reminded of the journey it took to get here, a journey paved with truth, sweat, and perseverance.
Success, traditionally measured by the yardsticks of wealth, position, and power, seemed a straightforward path. Yet, my own path has been anything but linear. As a multi-published writer, master photographer, and a former Paramedic and Firefighter Lieutenant, each role I’ve undertaken has offered its own unique perspective on achievement and satisfaction.
In the realm of writing and photography, success is often quantified by sales, accolades, and recognition. However, the true essence of accomplishment in these fields lies in the ability to touch lives, to communicate deeply human experiences, and to evoke emotion. The silent acknowledgment of a reader moved by my words or a viewer stirred by an image I captured holds a value immeasurable by conventional standards.
My tenure in the emergency services taught me lessons in humility and humanity. In those critical moments, success was measured by lives saved, by comfort provided in the face of loss, and by the strength found in vulnerability. These experiences, harrowing yet profoundly enriching, reshaped my understanding of achievement. The societal accolades of heroism pale in comparison to the personal fulfillment found in making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
I never completed my college education, a detail that might seem like a shortfall to some. Yet, for me, this hasn’t been a barrier to knowledge or success. As far as I’m concerned, the traditional halls of academia weren’t necessary for my growth. I’ve always been an autodidactic learner, finding deep satisfaction and effectiveness in teaching myself. This self-guided journey through knowledge and skills has not only allowed me to tailor my education to my specific interests and needs but has also instilled in me a sense of independence and a profound confidence in my ability to overcome challenges. My experiences affirm that learning is not confined to classrooms or institutions; it is an expansive, lifelong process that thrives on curiosity and adaptability.
The shifting societal values of our time further compel a reevaluation of success. Our growing emphasis on sustainability, mental health, and community underscores the importance of pursuing goals that are not only personally fulfilling but also beneficial to society at large. Success, in this context, becomes a more holistic concept, encompassing not just individual achievement but also our contribution to the collective wellbeing.
In this era, we find ourselves seeking balance between personal aspirations and the greater good, between achieving our goals and ensuring our pursuits enrich the world around us. This balance, ever elusive yet infinitely rewarding, represents the new frontier of success. It is a frontier that acknowledges the interconnectedness of our experiences, valuing empathy, resilience, and creativity as much as traditional markers of achievement.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial to remember that success is not a finite destination but a journey marked by growth, learning, and adaptation. It is a journey that demands we question, learn, and redefine what it means to achieve and be fulfilled. In redefining success, we open ourselves to a broader spectrum of possibilities, embracing a future where achievement is measured not by what we acquire but by the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.
In reflection, my life’s journey underscores the importance of challenging conventional notions of success. It is a testament to the idea that fulfillment arises not from the accolades we receive but from the impact we have on the world and the connections we forge along the way. As we move forward into this century, let us embrace this broader, more inclusive vision of success, one that celebrates the diverse and multifaceted nature of human achievement.
March 17, 2024
So beautifully expressed and thought provoking. Thank you.
Thank you very much, J! 🙂
I like the picture of a learning curve with transitions of different aspects of living. This helped me with some of the issues I am facing while writing a memoir. We don’t all start at the same place and the stages vary from person to person, but the process of using strengths to develop in our weaker areas resonates for me. Thanks.
From the moment I entered this world, medical professionals stamped the term “hermaphrodite” on my identity. As a young girl in elementary school, my teachers hastily branded me as unintelligent. By the time high school came around, I was written off as a certain failure, someone who would never find her footing in success. Yet, the trajectory of my life took an astonishing turn after I left college, a journey uncompleted, and ventured into the realm of emergency services where I found not only success but profound respect. My career didn’t halt there; upon retiring at the age of 40, I embraced the roles of a multi-published writer and a master photographer with open arms. If there’s a singular, monumental lesson life has taught me, it’s that the path one walks is not dictated by the conventional corridors of Western industrialized education. Rather, it’s carved by an individual’s intelligence, unwavering perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of their own dreams.