As a young person, my thoughts on success were much different. Thank God, my perspective on success has evolved. In my high school years, I aspired to emulate the success of poet Nikki Giovanni. My ambition was to achieve significant book sales and be invited as a guest on Phil Donahue’s talk show. I envisioned substantial wealth, enabling me to purchase a grand home in California and live a life of significance. 

My journey has been transformative. Today, my success is no longer defined by celebrity or financial status. It’s not about the number of books I sell or the people I tried to impress. My success is now measured by the depth of my relationship with God. It’s realizing that I may not have been the model, but I have been and continue to be a good mother. My success has truly been about me overcoming obstacles and challenging circumstances.   

My success is also a result of the abundant blessings in my life: my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. My success is definitely about finally being able to wholeheartedly forgive and love myself. What a journey indeed. 

Until the next blog post, be blessed.