Daily writing prompt

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

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When I hear the word “successful,” the first person who pops into my mind is my grandma, Mitsue. You know those grandmas who have lived through a ton, but still manage to add a sprinkle of magic to everyday life? Well, that was my grandma, and she was nothing short of amazing.

For a lot of people, success is all about big money, fancy titles, and shiny awards. But for my grandma, it was a whole different ballgame—success for her was layered like the spam egg and rice musubi’s she whipped up every Sunday. She certainly had her share of struggles, raising four kids on her own after my grandpa passed away. But she wore those challenges like badges of honor, never letting them bring her down. Each wrinkle on her face had a story, showing the richness of life she lived.

So, what does success really mean? It’s a question that gets you thinking, right? I remember sitting with my grandma over cups of tea, and she’d often say, “Success is in the little things, dear.” I would smile, thinking about how she could make the perfect dinner that always tasted just right—a recipe passed down through generations. For her, success wasn’t about climbing the corporate ladder or having a bulging bank account; it was about the cozy warmth of home, the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, and being surrounded by loved ones.

Success is multidimensional; it’s like a mosaic of personal achievements and joyful moments. It’s not just about meeting societal expectations or comparing yourself to others in that hustle culture we see online. For me and my grandma, success was about having a roof over your head, paying your bills, and, most importantly, feeling genuinely happy in your day-to-day life.

Having a job that makes you happy is another piece of the success puzzle. I remember my grandma telling stories about her days as a seamstress. She didn’t just sew clothes; she created dreams. She turned bright fabric into gorgeous dresses for little girls in our neighborhood, and watching those kids twirl around in glee was her true joy. That was success—putting smiles on faces and making unforgettable memories, one stitch at a time.

Success is also about making a positive impact on others. My grandma had this amazing knack for making everyone feel special. Whether it was the neighbor who needed a hand or the local kids who gathered at our porch for her famous cornflake cookies—man, do I miss those; they were my absolute favorite—she spread love with every interaction. She showed me that what we do for others can be one of the most rewarding forms of success.

Looking at my own life now, I see the same threads of success weaving through my story. Sure, I have goals and dreams for the future, but I’ve also learned to appreciate the small victories. It’s the little things, like sharing a laugh with a friend, helping someone in need, or just taking a moment to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

So, the next time you hear the word “success,” I hope it hits differently. Think of my grandma and all those lovely moments—those little victories that nourish our souls. Success, my friends, is all about perspective. Embrace your own colorful journey filled with experiences, relationships, and heartfelt moments. Because at the end of the day, happiness—your own unique brand of success—is what really counts.

Till next time, stay kind!