As we leave for long Labor Day Weekend, I hope you take some time to read this poem and think about your life. The last year and a half has been difficult for all. The pandemic has made us question so much in our lives and rethink what is important. We have all learned to live with less and found what is important in our lives. For those of you who have been trying to understand what a successful life is, I hope this poem provides some clarity. .
What is Success?
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 the 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!”
Enjoy the Long Weekend End! Happy Labor Day!
This poem reflects how I have chosen to live my life. I have been a nurse for almost 30 years and have raised 4 children that are now productive individuals in our society.
This comes at a great time. These past 2 years have been trying to say the least. My career, volunteering, training recovering wounded warriors, teaching young adolescents how to set goals, test their strengths and weaknesses. Strength training, sports do so much for so many during this Pandemic with anxiety, PTSD, dealing with these uncertain times. We work things through, use the exercises to relive stress and I feel blessed to know this will be my next calling in life as I retire from active duty. I get no greater joy, than when I see the eyes come back to life in any of our athletes. But especially in our recovering service men and women. Paying it forward helps me heal as well. In strength.
Here’s to all of the Patient Advocates out there working tirelessly to help others in need to breathe a little bit easier (both literally & figuratively) throughout this challenging pandemic. Happy Labor Day to all who labor for love.
“To endure the betrayal of false friends”
The politicalization of the pandemic has tried many souls and divided our society. The hardest part of the past two years has been the losses–loss of life and loss of friendships.
Success is about embracing memories both good and bad, forgiving those who betray us and rising above the losses that hurt our hearts.