The answer to the question depends on our attitude towards life... most especially when faced with the bad.
2024 has been a pretty successful year for me.
The year started with debts piling up. I owe several projects to clients and was scrambling to catch up after the health problems.
Then I was able to travel to Camotes, Carcar, several joyrides Down South and Up North and move to a new home. There were so many recipes I was able to do for the first time, I discovered Hive and traveled a lot.
I failed miserably at my attempt to work in an office setting, but I emerged having been hired on bigger projects and adding new things to my skillset.
I forgave people and I completely severed relationships that don't serve me and them.
It's a mix of good and bad, if you look at it.
But where's the financial stability? Where's the traditional standard that we consider successful?
What then, is your measure of success?
For me, success is simple. And I always tell my son the same thing:
From the moment you wake up to the time you're in bed to sleep, if you're able to do anything that you want in between, you are living a successful day. Do this every day—that's success.
It was a pretty successful year, not because I was able to emerge without worrying about the bills, but because I was able to live just enough of a life not to let the worry stop me from trying out something new, creating a masterpiece, or dabbling in a hobby that brings me so much joy.
There have been quite a few times in my life when I achieved what one would call the "usual standard" of success, yet I did not feel it one bit...
Like that time I reached the peak of my career and earned quite a huge sum. I still questioned what happiness really meant...
And people might attribute it to the lack of financial strategy, or personal savings... I do understand the concept that money does buy time, resources, and a certain amount of power...
But I wasn't able to live the life that allowed me to enjoy what I'm here for. To experience good food, to have the time to cook for others and show kindness, or explore a new hobby and skill.
By no means whatsoever does the old adage that money buys more time ring particularly true, especially in creative jobs like mine, where one relies mostly on personal input to produce a finished product.
Last year has been a blessing to me.
After letting go of several projects due to stress and hypertension, I finally had the courage to explore possibilities. Attempt a career change, try a new skill, learn to draw better, learn a new programming language and take several long distance fun drives.
For all this life I have experienced last year, both the good and bad together making my experience so rich, I am thankful.
I am excited that this year is even better, fuller and more exciting things to look forward ahead.
Because now I know what joy means, why humility rocks, how to really connect with people and how to make the most out of the money I earn... all from last year's ups and downs.
It has been a pretty successful year, and the party's just getting started. Here's a bottle of my favorite beer... because why wait to achieve something big to celebrate?
Today let's celebrate the possibilities.