a successful [moment]

[trigger warning: suicide]

[moment 220]

A friend asked a question on social media that really got me thinking:

What were the things your younger self thought would mean you were successful?

I guess I've always had a different view of success than most people. To me, success was never a bigger house or certain type or number of cars or particular career. 

My idea of success has always been accomplishing what I want to accomplish, not something society tells me is a success. As a teen, I thought that I'd die before reaching adulthood due to health issues, abuse, or suicide ... I came close with all three ... and if I did make it to adulthood, I just wanted to be a mom with a house full of kids.

I think one of the major flaws of society is the thought process that success is defined by owning certain objects or achieving a specific level of formal education or making a particular amount of money. I'd rather think that success is living out your truth- being your authentic self; following your passions; reaching for your dreams; treasuring friendships and relationships; and living love out loud.