Emerson's Success Revisited

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Laugh often and much.
• I heartily laugh quite often- nearly daily if not every day.
• I tend to laugh loudly with more enthusiasm than necessary. I love that belly laugh.

Win the respect of intelligent people.
• One of the most intelligent and observant people I know (even if he is a total air head while driving) respects me.

Win the affection of children.
• I am adored by children that know me.
• I’m sought after and followed by children that don’t know me.
• Babies watch me transfixedly.

Earn the appreciation of honest critics.
• The same person mentioned for his intelligence above is very honest- brutally blunt even. He thinks highly of my story telling ability, writing skills, vocabulary, and intelligence. He’s also told me some things to work on. He has suggested that I pursue a counseling degree or write.
• One of my roommates stayed up late to list things that she admired about me on my bathroom mirror. Each word she listed had at least one specific event connected to it.

Endure the betrayal of false friends.
• Check. No story necessary.

Appreciate beauty.
• It’s everywhere. Inside of me, too. Both on the outside and inside of everyone I meet.

Find the best in others.
• I found good things in a very intimidated young lady lacking self-esteem who sought to “put me in my place” and teach me a lesson. I’m making progress on this one.
• I’m a champion of underdogs and the patron saint of lost causes.

Leave the world a bit better.
• I’ve been trying to reflect love and goodness to everyone that I come into contact with.

Know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
• I was told by a friend that his relationship and conversations with me had taught him how to open up and be real. He learned that if others didn’t accept and love him for who he truly is, then they weren’t worth the time and effort; it’s easier to move on if you learn this at the beginning of a relationships than at the end. That feels like a fantastic accomplishment.