My idea of success

I used to think in order to be happy I had to be successful, so i would chase around this shadow of an idea of what I thought success was. I would grieve over an absence from class and shut myself down at the slightest grade under a B because that was not being a success and in my mind it just meant failure. I had been taught by society to believe that success meant having a fortune and a strong job title with a reputation built on the words of my peers, but it was all wrong. In my yearning and searching for this type of success I only ever found anxiety and panic over the fact that I could not live the expected life needed to become that person, to become that success. I spent a long time with this idea that I was a failure, and I won't deny that the constant fear of failing looms over me with every decision I make. I am stronger today because I know that failing is not what I should be afraid of, and not what I should have ever been scared to experience. The experience of failing or making a mistake is the most wonderful thing because with every tiny mistake a lesson is learned and you have the ability to grow as a person! 

I make mistakes everyday, and I am coming to a point where I am no longer ashamed of them I just accept them for what they are which is my learning opportunities. Mistakes should be glorified and praised for their educational capacities not shamed and looked down on. 

I don't know if I will ever have the stereotypical idea of success, but I know that I am successful everyday that I can admit to a flaw and overcome it. I have grown to shine above any mistake or flaw I have and accept them all as my own. Maybe some of them can stand to be changed or adjusted, but some of my flaws are just part of the things that make me who I am and they shouldn't have to be changed. 

The key to being successful is really just being happy with who you are and what you can do, and realizing that if you are not happy with that you can change it all at any time.