What is Happiness, or Success for that Matter?
Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities. – Aldous Huxley
Success, like happiness, is not something to achieved or arrived at. It’s not a destination, it’s more of a by-product.
To use the example of a tree, Success isn’t the leaves of the tree, or the branches or the trunk, and certainly not the roots – although all those things are part of a “successful” tree.
Success in this example is shade. The shade a healthy tree creates is success.
And it all starts with a seed. A tiny, relatively fragile, seed. Many of which never germinate, and even less become actual trees.
There are all sorts of ways I could go with relating this to people, their lives, goals and success, but suffice it to say that if you want shade, you need to plant many seeds, tend to their growth and be prepared for the greatest “trees” to take some time to grow.
Also, as you are growing your trees, a few of which of which you may never sit under, enjoy the shade of the trees others have planted before you. As a tree-planter and tender it is your privilege.