Success...Define it For Yourself

Success is often pre-defined by society as the attainment of wealth, position, or honors. 

I'd like to take a moment to say "SCREW YOU SOCIETY!" and define it for myself.

Success, to me, is ultimately a fulfilled life. 

A life that is always involved with the arts.

A life that consists of a professional dance career both nationally and internationally, not dependent on the size of the company but on the amount of growth I get out of it.

A life of travel and cultural exchange.

A life of constant learning about myself and others.

A life of giving.

A life of sharing dance with those who've never been exposed.

A life of love.

A life of  action.

A life of taking risks.

A life of acknowledging fear but never allowing it to hinder me.

A life of being beautiful but not afraid of being ugly.

A life of strong friendships.

A life of awareness.

A life of openness. 

A life of optimism.
A life of balance.

My life.

Writing this list, which I hope to keep adding to, has made me realize something that I just came to terms with senior year. There's only one Courtney Ashley Henry in the world and whatever "successes" are meant for me will be for me. Comparing my journey to someone else's is a waste of time and energy. I can only follow my own path by putting one foot in front of the other and having and open mind and heart.

"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be"-George Sheehan