POEM // Definition of Success Poem By Sue Ellson Text, audio and description at https://sueellson.com/blog/definition-of-success-poem What is My definition of success Surely it is more Than avoiding distress Could it be The courage to say no To stay in my frame And keep my boundaries aglow Could it be To see myself in the mirror Admire the form and function And feel my inner glimmer Could it be Facing every new day With realistic expectations In a kindly way Could it be A deep inner knowing That despite so many rejections I will just keep on going Could it be Ignoring society’s norms Living my own values In all of their forms Could it be The difficulties I manage Living moment to moment And dealing with damage Could it be The strength to breathe When I’m slowly suffocating And aching to be free Could it be The overwhelming bliss Of an unexpected surprise Or a granted wish Could it be An acknowledgment of learning That even with disappointments I can sense how I’m growing Could it be With both reflection and hindsight That a complicated history Has given me foresight Whatever it is For me or for you To truly be a success We must expand our view This month, February 2024, it is 19 years since my 19 year marriage ended. It is a sad time for me, particularly in the relationship department. Despite many different attempts, strategies, analysis, patience, discussion, therapy etc etc etc, I personally feel as if I have failed to find anything remotely close to what