I don’t need to be ‘the best’. I don’t need to be famous, be fawned over, be recognised, be loud. I don’t need to be an authority on anything. I don’t need all the ego stuff. I don’t need all the ‘stuff’ either. I just need to leave the world a better place by raising two of the finest young men I can.
Via Heidi Claire
I had Ralph’s poem in my thoughts as my son made his way up on stage at Speech Night on Friday night. ‘This to have succeeded’… leaving the world a better place with my beautiful sons in it.
This is what makes my heart explode …. and gives me great peace and gratitude.
What’s your definition of success?
A-M xx
The speeches were really boring.
I hope you don’t mind a correction A-M.
Apparently the poem has often been attributed to Emerson when in fact it was part of an essay written by Bessie A. Stanley of Lincoln, Kansas. See here : http://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/06/26/define-success/
Having said that, I agree totally with Georgia Harrison. Your pages are a daily reminder of what success can be : your inspirational love for your boys, your fortitude when times are hard, your generosity of spirit.
You are inspirational, A-M !
Well there you go. You learn something new every day! I have been falsely praising Ralph ever since I carted that quote around in my Year 8 school diary all those years ago. Thanks for your kind words. They made me a bit teary. xx
That last pic, son asleep on Dads knee, all the family Sharing big boys success together. That’s success of the sweetest kind.
the sweetest. xx
Watching your child “succeed” at something is the greatest feeling in the world for a mother. Congratulations xT
Successs to me is happiness and nothing makes a parent more happy than to see there children succeeding .In today’s fast paced world it is easy to forget the things that really matter to the soul and your blog is a reminder of all those things -family,love , compassion, empathy ….most of all to live life for today !!Priyaxx
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Well done to your son. I hope all his dreams come true.
Bless your sleepy little man too – very cute.
Hope all is well in your world – sounds like it is!
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What a very proud moment for you A-M. Your son should be equally proud of himself….Emerson’s poem is a favourite and I couldn’t agree more. Absolutely loved your final image and words. So true! x KL
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Fortitude. What a great word and an apt description of you. I’ve been having a tough time with school mums and you are one of my inspirations, the way you have held your head high and have nurtured your boys amidst such a painful period…I have such respect for you:) love the last shot too…the tie is cute as well:))
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I so often hear people say “so and so is so successful” because they are earning lots of money, yet to me success has nothing to do with how much you earn, rather about how much you give, how much compassion you have, how kind you are, the difference that you make. Well done A-M on being so successful! Vx
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Success to me is being patient, gracious, respectful and kind. Also generous to all no matter who they are and generosity in all its forms.
The simple phrase “love thy neighbour” is one we should all think of often. Teach all of the above to our children and give them lots of love and to me that is a truly successful life.
Thank you A-M for reminding me of what is really important in life.
Big hug and wasrm wishes,
Daryl x
Loving the snapshot of your young man sleeping on Dads legs. That’s the true meaning of family. Being there no matter what. x
Beautifully said A-M and such a precious proud moment Have a lovely day xx
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Knowing that you did your very best. That is SUCCESS.
Love, Heidi
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