Longevity

I don’t strive for longevity.
For the golden wedding anniversary or years of service awards. I had a front row seat to misery. Couples and employees celebrating their ability to endure, to sublimate their own needs and desires for the prize of longevity.
I measure success in a different way. Through the filter of am I growing here? Am I contributing? Do I have something to learn? Will it matter? Are we having fun? Do I feel alive?
Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones and what brings you joy is something you can dedicate yourself to for a lifetime. But no one will buy you a prize or throw you a surprise party for choosing joy over longevity.
Joyful people don’t often inflict misery on the rest of the world. Maybe it’s time to start rewarding different things. In the meantime celebrate yourself.
