“What is success”, as a dad, as a parent…
My first response was Security and a bright future for my children. But instantly I felt a hole in this thought, because it’s what I was told taught from my young age and look at how I turned out. Right away I knew this is either incomplete or a wrong expectation. This is limited and at best one dimensional coming to think of it.
What I really want is I want them to be happy, healthy and live a content life. And my definition of happiness is not a universal one, in fact is probably wrong. They have to be the authors of their life and in that journey, they get to define what happiness is for them. And I can only hope that I have raised them well that they define it thoroughly per their values both short and long term, that they have the wisdom to guide their blueprint.
And the other part of success I seem to miss a lot, a lot is that I am actually there for them, and I can say without doubt that I was there for them and I will be there for them. Just being there for them, like simply being there for them when they need us, not per any schedule, time table or events, but just being there. When they need us which can be whenever, “I am there for them”. And I can say I was there for them. Isn’t that a beautiful gift to receive and give as a parent. Now that is success.
Only after these values, frankly money that this world seems to starve and fight over comes into play. Money, this soul less aspect of life can drive us to make so many wrong decisions that rob the above aspects of life. I have heard billionaires sob cry when they said they were not there for their children, because they were busy chasing money. That drives a strong message for me. Money comes and stays a bit when values are correct. I know so many middle-class families who earn just enough to get by, but have a memorable time with their family, a family meal, a family outing to a nearby park, a movie, a fast-food, or perhaps a road trip. These things don’t need riches, they need time, and more importantly a bond that was nurtured throughout time that the children want to be around you the parent, they cherish it or they want you around them because the love it. That’s what matters.
Not a lot of money but a lot of moments together. That’s success I think. Peace and love to you.
CONSTELLATIONK 