Success is for YOU

I can remember it clearly, although sometimes I’m not sure if it was reality or a dream.  I was sitting in the waiting room of a physiotherapy office years ago in Canada.  I began talking to an old man who had one of those oxygen masks attached to his face and had a canister of liquid air sitting beside him.

I don’t know all that was discussed, but what stands out to me was him explaining how he and his wife worked very hard all their lives so that they could retire early and spend the rest of their life traveling and doing the things they always wanted.

He stopped for a minute and then continued with his story.  He went on to say that the year before he was to retire, he developed the problem he now had and traveling became too difficult.  His final words still linger in my head….don’t wait until it is too late.

I’ve tried to live a life where money, power, and status are not the first priority.  You see, I’m lifestyle motivated and put my Family and living a good life above all else.  I could have easily taken a way different path in life (many times), and realistically those paths would have amounted to more money in my bank account and fancy titles on my business card.  But the life I’ve lived by doing things my way is Priceless.

I’m not saying that the way I have lived my life is the right way or the best way. But I am saying that it is the only way for me. On a daily basis I meet tourists who have very stable jobs, make excellent money, have nice homes, and drive pretty cars. Almost every one of them says they wish they could give it up to do what I’m doing……if only they had the guts. It makes me feel good, but it doesn’t make me feel like I’m better in any way.

I was at a motivational seminar once, that was also attended by my Dad. The topic of discussion was success. My Dad surprised me with his definition, “Achieving Positive Results From Those Things That Are Important To You.”  Like I already said, my life is Priceless……to ME.  It might not be to anyone else, but as in my Dad’s definition, success is only based on what is important to YOU…..not anyone else.

Enjoy Your Ride. Enjoy Your Life.