Success

 

Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash 

"No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude." Alfred North Whitehead

Success

by Ralph Waldo Emerson 

To laugh often and love much;
    To win the respect of intelligent persons
    And the affection of children;
    To earn the approbation of honest critics
    And to endure the betrayal of false friends;
    To appreciate beauty;
    To find the best in others;
    To give of one's self;
    To leave the world a little better,
    Whether by a healthy child,
    A garden patch
    Or a redeemed social condition;
    To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
    And sung with exultation;
    To know that even one life has breathed easier
    Because you have lived  
    This is to have succeeded.

 Writing prompts:

• Write about the successes in your life, great and small.
  
• Did you succeed only with the help of others, as the above quote suggests? If so, write about who gave you help, and whether or not you have been able to express your gratitude.
• Reflect on your life so far. Have you "laughed often and loved much"? Explore the answer to this question in your writing. 
• Will you, through your actions, "leave the world a little better." Write about why, or why not.
• Choose a phrase from Emerson's poem above and use it as trigger for a free-write. Keep writing, don't stop, never mind if it doesn't make sense and don't worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation.

It's always interesting the read what you have written, or any thoughts, in the comments box below.