What is success? What truly determines how successful one is in life? All of us spend most part of our lives worrying about how we can reach 'there'. However, the irony is that as soon as we get to the place that we're looking for, it is no longer important to us. By that time, we have already thought of the next level that we need to reach. Very often, if not always, we ignore what we are thinking/being/having in the present. Several gurus have highlighted the importance of living in the present; yet, this is the aspect of spirituality that we most often ignore. In the constant rat race, we lose our true selves and start living, literally, for society. We always plague our mind with thoughts about what people are doing, the luxuries they possess, the lives they lead, and so on.
However, we need to contemplate whether these things are relevant to us. While there's no denying that exterior success is important in life, success in the outer world without success in the inner world is frustration glorified. Until we feel content from within, there's no way in which we can enjoy our worldly success. This 'inner content' arises from a deep sense of gratitude towards the blessings of the almighty bestowed upon us. If we live in gratitude, our lives are sure to have a lot more meaning.
It's not about making a living; it's about making a life.
Every time you complain about not getting a promotion, take a moment to thank god that you're employed. When your clothes fit a little tight, be grateful that you have enough to eat.
Somewhere down the line, many of us are losing the plot. We equate success with only money, status, and achievement. If that was the case, then Osama Bin laden and all the other terrorists/goons in this world are also 'successful' But do we look up to them?
Certain things that truly reflect success:
When your husband comes home early some days because he misses you ----It shows that he looks forward to coming home.
When your wife makes a big deal about you forgetting her anniversary----It shows how much she loves you.
When your teenaged children understand a 'No'----It shows that they still have a sense of reverence toward you.
And so on.
I'd like to end this article with a quote (which I came up with myself :) )
'I spent my entire life working towards buying my dream house. By the time I turned 50, I realized that I had hardly lived in it.'
Let's make sure that our lives don't end up being like the above-mentioned quote!
God Bless you all..
Rohan Pasricha
