Defining Success

Defining Success

People say we're all seeking a meaning for life.
I don't think that's what we're really seeking.
I believe we're seeking an experience of being alive.
Joseph Campbell

Post written by Katarina Miletic  Join my Inner Circle

At the point of five days to start line of 365 Days to Dream (must read here), I have reached a very important milestone, which I am going to share with you, as we define success together. My mind has decided to let my soul take the lead, and I wish I had the words to describe the real elation and lightness and joy and smile that fills my whole being at this moment. To say that it is a relief that this has finally happened would be an understatement.

I have consciously prioritised soul work in the past two years. At first it was a reflex, a survival tool and mechanism that kicked in at the point of no return when the rug of false safety (in form of a paid corporate job) was pulled from underneath my feet. If anything, I have always seen this as a huge blessing albeit in disguise, for ‘sink or swim’ kind a choice doesn’t come with many options to consider, and the nature of it meant I had to be quick and falling apart was never my option. Trust me, several things, that are not the subject of this writing, have been severed in that very moment in time, but because of that it naturally drew my focus ever so clearer of what is really important for me to concentrate on.

So, throughout this time I had kept the vow I made to myself that I will remain in close council with my soul, the larger and wiser part of me – one that we all have access to, and which is the source of all power we will ever need, my friend.

This post describes the process that was personal to me, and therefore I am writing it in first person, but You are the reason why I write this, as I am hoping that my sharing of this personal journey will inspire you to reach for the best inside you, that is unique to who you are, but can be applied and called upon in the same way. That said, whenever I write ‘me’, please remember that this is waking up and tapping into the soul of the universe – one we are all part of, and whose power is blessing us all from within, when we turn to it and connect our being with the purpose that is greater than us.

Major Disclaimer

This is no longer a solo journey, you are very much part of it. So, if you wish to remain blissfully unaware of the unique powers you have inside you – then please don’t go any further. Hanging out with me is likely to open your heart up to the world, to engage you in actively searching for the best inside you, and giving your all (and everything above it) that you can muster in every single moment of every day. The payoff is light filled soul, heart so uplifted with love that isn’t scared of any challenge, and peace in your heart knowing that you are brave to speak your truth and give away all the love in your heart equally to everyone – without expecting anything in return. In other words, by choosing to stay in close proximity to the way I live and love – you are likely to be influenced to become very happy with your life. So, if that is not an option you are ready for – we can meet at another time in the future. Although, don’t come looking for me here, as I will be much further along the road of self-discovery and pure love.

Back to Our Story Now

Past two years have been tough, as my mind was raging, fighting and despairing in the initial stages. But having made that vow to my soul that I will respect its guidance from this storm that engulfed my life, I kept working hard on staying present, and in the beginning it did feel like a conscious reset each time my mind was pulling me in the direction where I didn’t want to go, as I knew nothing productive or beneficial would come from indulging in those thoughts, plus – I knew what’s on my heart, as I was already lucky that I could always hear my heart (even in those times and years that I chose not to listen to it, I was aware always of what my heart was telling me).

What Do I Mean When I Say “Heart”?

To me, heart is something personal, something that is uniquely me, you, anyone – and it is through our heart that we remain connected with the soul of the universe, that greater part of us. So when I say heart, soul, or inner voice, or inner being, or intuition – I essentially mean that personal lens through which we are able to let the soul of the universe (the creator of life) express its infinite love – to us, and from us – to everyone else outside us.

Back to The Story, Once Again

What was of paramount importance was keeping this awareness alive, and that becomes easier the more you are present in this moment, in the here and now. So, you literally stop your mind from pulling you back into the past, or jumping too far ahead into the future. And both of these are fine if you are reflecting upon something from the past that was a great experience and it helped you grow, or indeed if you are visualising the events in the future turning out positive etc. But anything that draws on, or concentrates on beating yourself up for something you did, or didn’t do, or worrying about something that may or (more likely) may not ever happen – are wasted emotions that keep you from making progress, and growing. Make no mistake, my friend, we are here in this life journey to grow and create joy.

I am sure that you are beginning to get exactly where I am going with this. First step in remaining in the present moment – the only moment where everything happens – is to become aware that your thoughts are not who you are. Once you identify them and observe them – you can start noticing the patterns, learned beliefs, something that doesn’t serve you, tendencies to go dark, or analytical, or destructive.... (feel free to add anything you have experienced as punishing yourself relentlessly here). At the stage when this is just a thought that appears in your mind, you can identify its source, notice how it makes you feel to think that, and – if it makes you uneasy in any way - choose another thought. As simple as that. And it’s a painstaking process when all sorts of patterns are present. It requires meticulous discipline, but when you start seeing yourself as your best friend in need of advice – you are able to correct those patterns into something that will actually serve you better, and something that actually resonates with your soul, something that actually makes you feel good about you, and accepting of the situation (whatever it may be that is challenging you), and shifting the belief into unmistakable expectation of a positive outcome.

Dear Brain

I am grateful today, that when I stand at the point of contemplating the biggest challenge of my life so far – my mind has bowed to my soul and said ‘I’m going to work with you’.  My friend, words fail me, but my eyes fill with tears of joy as I write this. Oh, the relief of knowing that however hard it gets – the challenges will be faced from the place of natural balance between body, mind and soul. Perhaps that is the reason why that subject was recurring in my writing day after day last week. My mind must have been processing and aligning with my soul. 

So, the 365 Days to Dream is not so much of a challenge as an invitation to do the best we can every day for the next year. Of course, we know that this is an awakening and ‘coming home to self’ – for after 365 days have been completed and the goal we set was reached – but we will have also done the great amount of soul work - knowing that we will only want to build on that in the future.

If that is not worth giving it your best – I don’t know what is. And I am sure I can’t motivate you if you don’t think you can just kick every excuse out of the way and jump right in. Your soul is jumping for joy, all you need to do is follow it!

Here’s the Success Definition

Again, I invite you to read the above through your own unique lens – through your own experience and find that one thing where you want to show yourself that you believe in you!

Success is an open door to be the best you that you wish to create. No one else gets to pick you, promote you, save you – but You get to do it all for yourself. You, my friend - are success – it’s just a question if you will be brave enough to drop all of the unimportant and prioritise soul work in the next 365 days? I promise you that you matter, and that your happiness matters – to you, at the very least. But once you are in that state of being – you can be of great use to others as well. 

I love you, and remain your friend forevermore.

Sunflowers in my garden by Katarina Miletic 

Remember – You Are Safe Here

This is the sacred place between our souls. Thank you for sharing your visions, dreams and ideas. Your courage to be vulnerably seen will always be respected, and you will be treated with nothing but kindness and compassion. ♡