In Others' Words: Success

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." ~Maya Angelou, poet & novelist

I'm certain we could debate the "proper" definition of success. But let's not. I like Maya Angelou's definition.

I remember the specific day when I realized that, yes, I liked myself. It was a hard-fought battle, I assure you, coming to terms with who I was and finally deciding to embrace the truth of me.

I also remember where I was the day I realized I was living my dream. I was sitting in a writer's conference, listening to a speaker challenge all of us attendees to "Go! Dare to live your dreams!" My eyes filled with tears as I realized I was doing just that.

Liking how I do "it." Hhhhhm. Yes, I would say most days I like how I write. Not all day long, necessarily. But most days. I don't aim for perfection because I realized a long time ago Perfect is a ridiculous  goal.

In some ways, I will always want to be a better writer, a better woman, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend. But defining "success" without the confines of "Am I failing?" and "Am I achieving enough?" provides so much breathing space.  I can enjoy my successes … and aim for more success.

In Your Words: What parts of Maya Angelou's definition of success have you achieved? What parts are you still aiming for? Or do you have a preferred definition of success?