Left for six months and never came back

/ Mitchell Park Library/

To me, being successful means...
Being able to take pride in what you've made of your life.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
Although the core of my own idea of success hasn't changed, it has been a difficult and continuing struggle to keep my sense of accomplishment separate from parental expectations. You'd think at 40 it would be easier to look your parents in the eye and not be sorry for having chosen a path that doesn't involve marrying a person wealthy by inheritance or profession in order to secure a pampered and indolent life for oneself and one's offspring, but...in my experience, parents don't change. I had to build yourself the protective space I needed to keep myself from wishing I had never been born. 

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Nonprofit advocate who loves to travel

/ The Prolific Oven/

To me, being successful means...
doing something that you love to do. It shouldn't necessarily be about the money; of course, that does help.

My definition of success has not changed over time. 

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The 60's, VietNam, corporate law, and family. Learning to say yes.

/ St. Michael's Alley [original location]/

To me, being successful means...
Having good, lasting relationships with family and friends, leading a purposeful life in which I honor the things that light me up and contribute to the lives of others.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
In high school and college, I really didn't think about it much. I just knew I wanted to get a job, maybe have a family, and I was preparing for that. I really hadn't gone much beyond that. As a result, I set out on a pretty conventional path....Today, I look more at human values, relationships, and a sense of purpose. I wish that I had been a little more free, less fearful, about exploring different paths. For example, I think I might have loved teaching history at the college level.

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I never thought I would be doing this with my life, but I love it!

/ My parents' house. ??/

To me, being successful means...
Having fulfilling relationships with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and acquaintances; being able to provide for your family by doing something that feels valuable and beneficial; being the best person that you can be, and constantly striving to be even better.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
I have been blessed materially, through a combination of really good luck and hard work, but I have become convinced that at least part of my success has been due to the way I choose to treat others. Growing up in Palo Alto, there was such emphasis placed upon money as a measure of success, I was lucky that my family always reminded me that money is not everything and that people are more important.

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Throw Away Your Checklist!

/ Rinconada Park/

To me, being successful means...
Living life on my own terms: Living in the now and appreciating family and friends.....Creating my own schedule.....Working in a field that allows me to express my creativity and make my clients happy!

My definition of success has changed over time. 
20's to 30's I worked with a mindset to achieve promotions, professional recognition and increasing income. 30's to 40's success was balancing child rearing and working from home 40's to 50's has been appreciating what I have worked on personally and professionally, and being satisfied

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