July 21, 2012 2:35 PM CDT
We all measure success differently. You might measure success by the size of your home and the make and model of your vehicle. Maybe you feel you’re successful if your business merely turns a profit at the end of the year. You might look into the faces of your children or grandchildren — who, hopefully, are happy and healthy — and feel you’re living a successful life. Or, maybe, it’s a mix of all of these things.
No matter your barometer for measuring success, you have something millions around the world do not: the freedom to thrive and prosper. It’s what this country was built upon. I, for one, am thankful to our military, and for the opportunity to work as much or as little as I want. We all are privileged to say we have the freedom to do so.
The freedom to prosper
For the record
You have the freedom to thrive and prosper.
“Freedom isn’t free.” I believe this saying. I don’t serve in the military, so I’m not on the front lines to defend our country. I am not a politician, so I don’t listen to my constituents before casting a vote for — or against — various pieces of legislation. I’m not even a mason, so I do not possess the skills and talent necessary to create a beautiful brick, block or stone building. I can only write about these things. Still, I have the freedom to make a living at journalism, and have done so for the last 20 or so years.We all measure success differently. You might measure success by the size of your home and the make and model of your vehicle. Maybe you feel you’re successful if your business merely turns a profit at the end of the year. You might look into the faces of your children or grandchildren — who, hopefully, are happy and healthy — and feel you’re living a successful life. Or, maybe, it’s a mix of all of these things.
No matter your barometer for measuring success, you have something millions around the world do not: the freedom to thrive and prosper. It’s what this country was built upon. I, for one, am thankful to our military, and for the opportunity to work as much or as little as I want. We all are privileged to say we have the freedom to do so.
About the Author
Jennifer Morrell was the editor of Masonry magazine. She has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry as a writer and editor, covering such topics as real estate and construction, insurance, health care, relationships and sports. A graduate of The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazines and is an award-winning newspaper columnist.
