Success

It's Friday, and I feel like talking about success. I have been struggling for years with what is the true measurement of success, and have come to the conclusion that happiness is success. From there, you need to define what makes you happy, and for most when asked what would make them happy, it usually involves something that they don't have, or don't really need. What makes this happen? Many have the notion that they need more possessions and money to be successful, including myself. But every once in a while, I find myself popping out of the socioeconomic norms that the media defines as success, and thinking about quality of life; and what I really NEED to achieve the quality of life i'd be happy with.

For me, it's always been about getting some serious cars, MTV cribs-worthy dwelling, friends, cash to do what I want, and just and endless party, 24/7. It's a shot in the dark, since it's usually the celebrity lifestyle we desire, and many, for a number of reasons, just won't ever reach that. But even stars, celebrities, and the rich and famous end up in scandals, drama, and fight bouts of unhappiness. Take away anyone's ability to be happy, and no amount of cash can pull them out of it. Sure, it softens the blow, but without it, they still are the same people. I find that reality TV and making people iconic for being themselves, and being paid astronomical amounts of money for being a brand is genius from a business sense; but detrimental to the mental and emotional growth of society.

So many people I know aspire to be someone else due to these new media outlets, and false idols. Now, i'm not going biblical, slow your roll on this read, but putting iconic emphasis on someone who doesn't deserve it is detrimental to people's mental well being. I'm only saying this because of our newly developed inability to see where TV ends, and we begin. Why, realistically is there no show about the man/woman who is raising their children, while working 2 jobs to avoid foreclosure, and fighting to save whats left of their marriage? Because that topic sucks. But aren't they the true role models? Sure, we all can ridicule them about how they got there, but we've all been in some sort of predicament like that. So really, what do we need as people' better yet, what do I feel I need to feel successful?

I find my wants and needs to be on total opposite sides of the spectrum. It's weird, I see my life in two different paths. One side, aspires to go down the fast life, and want to be Vince from Entourage. The other, I want the peace of mind and solitude of living in the country, in a home with some land, wonderful wife, dog(s) maybe some horses, and some kids riding ATVs in the field. Monday through Sunday, I battle what's right for me. I'm an outdoor kinda guy; but not as much as I used to be, and it's kinda depressing to think about it. Sometimes I find myself worrying about what I drive rather than if it could get me to my destination. I can't go visit my brother in Knoxville on a 3 hour drive, because my car might not make it- but sure thing you'll find me looking at used BMW 5 series' in the auto trader with 100k miles for $20k because it's "ballin." Why not take that 20k and finance a more affordable, newer, lesser mileage car? It's tough to not worry about status. Sometimes I do; sometimes I don't.

I guess i'm coming to realize it's not about what you don't have, but what you do; and the quality of the things you do have. I'd much rather be able to drive to New Hampshire to visit my parents in a reliable, fuel efficient car than to worry about hitting downtown nashville in a BMW. Same goes for people and relationships. Finding people to surround yourselves with that value YOU as a person will ultimately bring your happiness levels up, hence increasing your quality of life. I think now, I see myself a middle class American, with a typical family, living an ordinary life. Having $25k in the bank because I bought a Chevy Equinox for $20k and didn't have to pay through the roof for a Range Rover seems responsible; and would allow me to fly my family on vacation, rather than live beyond my means. Material things are just that; instant gratification fillers that end up running our lives. I'd like to run my life, and all the things in it, not run my life to support my possessions. A home is what you make of it, and relationships are like plants, they need sunlight and water, and so do we as people.

Ultimately, nourishing one's inner happiness is about doing what makes you truly happy to the core; and if certain things weren't meant to be, then so be it. For me, I miss hiking, camping, and the outdoors. It calls my name all the time. I miss doing what i love for a living. I'm worried about not having a family of my own, and i'm scared I'll never own a home, and rent forever. but I find myself unable to unplug from society enough to commit to achieving these goals. It's a hamster wheel of life; I just have to find a way to put a foot down, and get off. I guess, we all need to find our way, and start hiking our own path to the summit. I promise, once we all reach there, we'll party like rockstars, in our own way.