What is Success? Signs You're Suceeding in Life Even if You Don't Feel Like You Are!

I used to have a very different view of what success is to what I do now. For me it was always about money, power, status, professional respect etc. etc. - always to do with work, as if only my job defined me. But since my life was literally turned upside down and I entered a sometimes very scary world of mental health illness, my opinions have gradually changed - very drastically! I now realise that success is so much more than a career - it comes down to how we feel about ourselves and how fulfilled we are in all areas of our lives. Appearing on the 'Who we are' section of the Music 24 website as a Community Musician is a success for me!

We've all had bad days, weeks, maybe even months. They can be dark and depressing and everything feels so difficult. Whether we fall into ruts of self-sabotage, loneliness or insecurity, leading a happy, joyful life can sometimes feel like a chore. Most of us are so busy trying to dodge lifes' bullets, we forget to stop and appreciate the little victories. Last week I jumped out of an aeroplane with 2 friends to raise money for Music 24 - that's another success in itself!

Consider for a moment that you're actually doing a tremendous job at Life. Living isn't always particularly easy, but it can be really enjoyable and satisfying when we start to see all the good instead of focusing on the bad.

You are actually living a really good life by recognising these 21 signs:

* You may not have as much money as you would like but you live a rich life - rich in love and friendship.

* Your relationships are less dramatic than they used to be.

* You're not afraid to ask for help and support.

* You let go of things that don't make you feel good.

* You're working on limiting your inner critic and consciously choosing more positive thoughts.

* You've learnt that setbacks and failures are part of self-growth.

* You have a strong support system.

* You've accepted what you can't change, but change what you can't accept - or you're working on it!

* You don't complain much, but instead focus on solutions.

* You don't care so much about what other people think of you.

* You celebrate others' successes.

* You allow yourselves to feel your feelings and are comfortable sharing them.

* You have passions that you pursue.

*You're able to accept compliments without deflecting.

* You have things to look forward to.

* You have goals that come true.

* You have empathy for others.

* You've raised your standards.

* You feel connected to your work.

* Where you live feels like home.

* You have moments when you appreciate what you see in the mirror.

It comes to mind that a childs world is so fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us, that clear eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost by the time we reach adulthood. The only way to truly appreciate life and the successes it brings you is to view it through a childs eyes. Develop interest in life as you actually see it, not just as you perceive it. The world is so rich, simply alive with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people.

Celebrate your successes. Be in love with your life. Every minute of it.