Having finished this book is like coming to an end of a journey. It wasn’t a long trip, but hopefully a memorable one with good lessons learned along the way.
We have taken a narrow path rather than the broad highway that many travel on. It has been uphill in parts. Effort and discipline were required to make it to the top and enjoy the view. In the process of climbing, some baggage had to be left behind. Several ups and downs were experienced. Failures and setbacks became stepping stones to successes as lessons were learned from them. New insights were gained into what makes us tick, how our thoughts and feelings powerfully influence our actions, what is really important, and how we can receive help from outside of us if we desire it.
On this trail, there are other peaks yet to be reached. But you have learned discipline, shed some weight, and are much fitter now, so the further climb will be easier. Continuing to apply the principles in the book (and other principles you’ll learn along the path of life), will bring you to new views from the peaks yet ahead and new insights how to make your life even more abundant, satisfying and joyful.
So onward and upward …
Ralph Waldo Emerson gives an unconventional “definition” of success, but one worth considering. In his view, success is:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Interestingly, nothing is mentioned about money or possessions. There is nothing wrong with having wealth and material goods, but happiness and success don’t depend on them. Neither can money buy peace, happiness and contentment.
The Bible, which even in our materialistic world is still respected by many as a valuable spiritual guide, says, quoting Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Another Bible writer requested of God: “Give me neither poverty nor riches. Let me devour the food prescribed for me, that I may not become satisfied and I actually deny you and say: ‘Who is Jehovah?’ and that I may not come to poverty and I actually steal and assail the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9).
King Solomon of ancient Israel, considered among the wisest humans of his time, commented: “I became greater and increased more than anyone that happened to be before me in Jerusalem.” Yet, he concluded: “Everything was vanity and a striving after wind.” Solomon also stated: “The blessing of Jehovah – that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.” (Ecclesiastes 2:9-11; 5:12, 13; Proverbs 10:22).
So there are higher principles, sometimes contrary to the common thinking, that come into play. Principles of love, kindness, giving and service – in short, consideration for the welfare of others as opposed to just self-gratification. Practicing these higher principles is what leads to well-being and happiness.
By way of review, let’s briefly retrace the milestones encountered on our journey together.
We have followed a road that not many in our western societies believe in taking nowadays. In a world where waiting is not in vogue, this is definitely the path less travelled, to borrow a line from Robert Frost’s famous poem. This is the path of delayed gratification – delayed until there is money on hand to acquire what we want. It is also a path of discipline – living within our means, rather than indiscriminate spending on whim and impulse.
A certain degree of sacrifice may be needed on this path – some belt tightening in order to get out of unnecessary debt, and to learn to live on less than previously. This, however, will all be worth it in the long run – when we get to the top of the hill. We’ll have peace in not owing anyone more than is absolutely necessary, and in knowing that we have enough to meet our needs even if a major and unforeseen setback occurs. And, as time goes on, with proper money management including responsible saving, we’ll be able to have many of our wants and desires as well. And at that time, having saved and waited, we’ll be able to really appreciate these things.
As we practice continued financial discernment and discipline, save on credit card interest, as well as look after what we have to make it last longer, our resources, even if they are meager, will go a lot further.
By taking a personal inventory of our life and seeing what we are good at, our climb can gain a purpose and focus. We can decide to use our gifts and talents to serve others – rather than just for selfish gain. This will in turn give us feelings of joy and satisfaction.
Besides finding out what we enjoy and can do well, it is important to take a look at our thinking. This is because thoughts are powerful energy which will influence our actions for better or worse. Remember that you can succeed if you really believe that you can. It may require a lot of determination, sacrifice, discipline, effort, and time, as well as learning all you can beforehand and as you go. However, if you persevere despite obstacles and setbacks, success is possible – the mountain peak can be reached. And the satisfaction of that, if the right goal has been pursued, will be well worth all the hard work and “blood, sweat and tears” along the way.
Uphill climbing on a narrow trail can be challenging – especially with few others coming beside us on this road less travelled. Feeling tired, discouraged, lonely, and overwhelmed, as well as questioning if it is all worth it, can tempt us to give up and quit. However, if you keep your goal in mind and visualize the reward at the top, if you can be grateful for all parts of the journey – looking for the positive even in the negative, and if you can allow for the possibility of the existence of something beyond the immediately visible, you may get help.
I believe in a loving Being – God, or whatever name others may have for the concept of a higher and benevolent Power beyond us. I also believe, based on decades of experience, that this Being wants us to succeed – like a father/mother wants their children to succeed. He / She desires for us to come with love and respect and ask for help in times of need, which He / She promises to provide.
Why not try this – you can’t lose anything, you can only gain.