This. Girl. Is. On. Fire.

Success. We hear this word all the time, but what is it exactly? The dictionary declares success as "the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goal." But, what really IS success? Many people think they're successful- they'll brag about it on Facebook, rub it in your face at class reunions, or rely on their success to feel true happiness in their life. Where though is the scale that says by achieving this you will be successful?

We as people judge one another on whether someone is successful or not. We will look at some with sour looks because "well they aren't as successful as me." We will stick our nose in the air and prance around as if we are gold. Where are the guidelines though? WHERE is it written that by doing this and being that and saying the right thing will deem you successful?

You think you need to be married with kids by twenty-seven to be successful? Great! Your sister wants to be a doctor before she will feel successful? You go girl! Your cousin feels like he needs a six figure job to be successful? More power to him!

There is no right or wrong way to be successful. There is no restriction stating you must be successful by this age or it doesn't count. Heck, there's nothing written anywhere that says you have to do ANYTHING to be successful. Success is judged by how you feel. Did you make dinner and not burn it? SUCCESS! Were you able to have your children with no epidural? SUCCESS! Oh, you graduated with your bachelors degree in five years? SUCCESS!!!

Nobody can judge whether you are successful besides yourself. This is an idea I seem to struggle with quite often. I'm twenty-two years old and still studying to complete my undergraduate degree in Communications. It is going to take me five years instead of four and I will have to take a few summer classes also. I don't have an internship nor do I have much "job experience" in my area of study. One of my friends is married and having her first little nugget in the Spring. My other friends? They're becoming licensed PTA's, scoring full time jobs, starting their own bussiness, etc. My best friend? SHE GOT EARLY ADMISSION TO IU MED SCHOOL. What! I am surrounded by role models and at times it's hard to feel successful because they are shining stars. You know what helps? Reminding myself that I, too, am a freaking role model!!

Who pays for my education? ME. Who works more than full time to pay for everything else? ME. Who still manages to make good grades? Oh, right, ME. I have a brand new car and braces on my teeth. I did that. I did all of that. So when I start to feel down, or unsuccessful- I look to my shining stars and they are the light in the dark times.

There's this stigma around "being successful" and the things we have to do and be so we can wear that title proudly. I'm here to tell you one thing. Kiss. My. Successful. Butt. We all woke up this morning, applied deodorant (i hope), and put our shoes on one foot at a time. We all have the same opportunities to be as triumphant as we want to be.. go out today and do great things. Do amazing things. You can and you will be successful today.

-morg