In Others' WordsIn Others' Words: Success
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."~Maya Angelou, author
I read this quote and found myself smiling. Why? I like Maya Angelou's take on success. It's not all about striving to achieve some magical mark that declares to the world, "I am successful!"
No. Her definition of success is all about embracing who I am. Liking myself--imperfections included. Liking what I do and how I do it--knowing that I'll make mistakes.
Maya Angelou's perspective grants me breathing space to be real. I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not (perfect). I don't have to invest my time in doing something that I'm not good at to please someone else. I don't have to strive for an unattainable goal (perfection).
In Your Words: When do you feel successful? Are you living up to someone else's definition of success--or your own?
Labels: Beth K. Vogt, In Others' Words, Maya Angelou, success
posted by Beth K. Vogt @ 2:01 AM
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10 Comments:
Yeah, I like this.
Making God smile.
That about sums up success to me.
~ Wendy
Regarding my career, definitely living out my definition of success (& Maya's too). When I hear of people not liking their occupation, it makes me sad because I've been there & know what a drain that can be. Other areas of my life, unfortunately, I still try for perfection & not getting it (obviously). Good reminder on the change of perspective needed! Focusing on perfection or an unrealistic expectation is a "drain" regardless of what area of your life it is in.
Wendy, I like your definition of success too--Making God smile!
And Sonia, I know you like (love) what you do because I've had the pleasure of listening to you talk about your job. I don't necessarily understand everything you say--but I know you love what you do!!
;o)
I used to have a skewed view of success when I was younger, but as I've gotten older, I've realized how important valuing myself and seeing myself as Jesus sees me is more important than how society views me or success.
We're all flawed. God uses those flaws to strengthen us. If we stay obedient to His leading, then I consider myself successful.
"God uses those flaws to strengthen us."
So true, Lisa, if we let him.
Wow, that is a great quote! I'm the definition of perfectionist. It's something I have to surrender every day.
Me too, Sarah, me too! That's why I love it when I find quotes like this one that speak truth that provide breathing space--and perspective.
WRITING CONTEST.....My blog Amish Stories is having its first ever contest this week. The First prize winner will win 2 tickets to tour the farm where the 1985 move "Witness" staring Harrison Ford and Kelly Mcgillis was made in Strasburg,Pa . This farm is now Amish owned, and the family has given permission for folks to tour their farm. This may be the last time anyone will be able to walk and see the same things that Harrison Ford and the other actors saw during the making of "Witness". The Witness tour should last about 2.5 hours. In addition to the Witness farm tour tickets, 1st prize winner will also receive 2 tickets for Jacobs choice. There will also be a 2nd place prize, which will be 2 tickets for the Amish Homestead. Please go to My blog www.AmishStorys.com for contest details, and more information on the prizes. Richard from the Amish settlement of Lebanon county.
Ooh, my favorite thing about your post today, Beth, is actually the phrase you used in one of the comments: truth that provide breathing space. That's exactly what truth does! When I am feeling stressed, unsuccessful, too busy or just plain boxed in by blah-ness, if I can just get ahold of Truth, then I've found that breathing space I need to climb out of whatever mental hole I've tripped into...
Thanks for always inspiring, Beth!
Glad you were encouraged, Melissa!
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