Chasing Dreams, Defining Success

In my country, Nigeria, without anyone having to lecture you, life usually teaches us at a very young age that dreams are free, but going after that dream is what is not free; it always comes with a cost. However, when I was growing up, I had a very big dream, the type of dream that at a certain stage and age in life, I could boldly say, “Yes, I have it all.” But that has not been the case because I have gotten to know that life is not fair and everyone does not wear the same clothes of success.

Like I stated in one of the @Indiaunited prompts similar to this one that I wrote two weeks ago, we all have different meanings for success. To some, when they get married, that is success; to some, when they travel out; to some, when they have properties in Banana Island; and to some, when they have plenty of money in their account or have flashy things.

For others, success is very simple: when they have peace of mind and are able to afford their basic needs, like buying clothes for themselves, being able to put food on the table, taking care of their family, and being able to go to bed and have a peaceful night's rest without having to think of paying debt.

It is no doubt that a lot of people stay around us or that we might have seen those who are extremely wealthy, but they do not have peace of mind and happiness, and I have seen those who have just a little, and looking at them, you will think they have it all because they are happy and joyful with the way they live. And that is why I usually say that this success of a thing is very personal.

My things are very simple. And as a very simple man that I am, I want a very balanced life where I am able to enjoy all my wins, either big or small, and don't just survive. Making real connections with people, writing, and giving help to those who are in need of my help in the little way God has helped me, and even as very small as that might look, that is characterized as success to me while I still go after bigger goals.

And one thing that I know is certain: we always want more, just like Oliver Twist, and success is not the final bus stop. In Nigeria, where I am, where the economy is wobbling and finding a real connection is like searching for a diamond, we can't afford to stay on a point when we achieve one thing; we always move on to the next because in life every stage comes with different plans, dreams, and purposes.

So, since I have seen life this way, I have stopped telling myself, “When will I finally make it big?” Rather, what I usually tell myself now is that I am already walking in success every time I am doing positive things. And that is what I remind myself always.

Thank you for reading.

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