Success appears in all forms imaginable although there is none ever so profound at this point in my life than the soothing, content feeling inside this ‘self' that determines and dictates who I am.  A ‘self' goes  through many different trials, errors and joyous tribulations during those years of ‘finding self' and some succeed in just understanding and accepting that things happen for a reason. 

To learn from every situation and circumstance that one encounters is surely a gift and an experience to add to the memory bank for future use as one of the grand learning lessons on this journey called life.

Sometimes success means that one should have a LOT of money and be famous and ever so popular lest one feel like they are nothing. The determining factor for self worth for them is money and the wide recognition of deeds they have done with the ulterior motive of getting something in return.

For others it may mean climbing the highest mountain or having a bright shiny 5 carat diamond on their finger. It may even mean the coolest new style of clothing and 200 dollar pairs of shoes. How they ‘look' to others may not necessarily mean they are happy inside.

Then there are some who believe that success lies within ‘self' to the very depths of ones soul. I believe. It's deeply ingrained in my mind with  core beliefs, morals and values that surely have changed throughout those years of searching. THIS is what dictates and says who I am ...from the inside - out.

Things outside this ‘self' will not determine who I am. I've traveled that route before and nothing in this world will ever surpass these ....my own successes:

• To touch one person's life with a smile, a gift of appreciation, a kind word or task to lift someone's spirit when it is weary.
• To watch my children grow and succeed in their own ‘selves' and support them when they need it.
• To remember where I ‘came from' and use them as constant reminders of where I want to go....or what I don't want to go back to.
• To feel complete with what I do have....and not want for more and more and more.
• To have balance with all aspects of my life and MAKE time for my husband, my family and me so I will not miss out on the moments shared....and to STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS.
• To evaluate each and every day ...at the end of the day and know that I have fulfilled everything that I could possibly have done within the time allowed in each 24 hours in a day....and I sleep well at night.
• To accept that I have no control over anyone in this world.....except this wonderful ‘self'. 
• To understand that everything outside of ‘self' is only temporary and will not fill any voids within ‘self' but only for a moment.
• To achieve goals I set and if it does not work out I strive to do better and I do not give up.
• To accept that I am where I am at this point and time in my life and have no regrets for everything past.....that allowed me to learn, mature and grow into the person I am today.
• To believe that no matter what happens there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

To know...that absolute success is the art of happiness within ‘self'

...everything else WILL follow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com