My Present Definition of Success

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I've had many definitions of success over the years. They've included money, love, travel and possessions, all the usual things. Right now, my definition of success is living in the country, earning a living with my writing gifts via the web, while surrounded by my fur children, and I've finally attained it. It took awhile in coming. Seven years ago my hometown was devastated by a hurricane the likes of which we hadn't known in nearly 50 years. When we returned I made the decision to retire from my 15-year career in massage therapy and become a full-time substitute teacher and teacher's aide. At the end of my sixth full school year, I felt the need for change once again. Although I very much enjoyed my time teaching, I had a background dream of living in the country, writing professionally from home with my dogs and cats around me. Years earlier, I had studied English literature, creative writing and journalism in college under great instructors, who taught me about how the writing world works and how to master the craft. I had written for the university paper, been published across the country in journals and done my own copywriting, website content and press releases and club correspondence, printed in the local daily paper and magazines. A few months after leaving my school job, I was able to relocate with my pets to the country. In the course of time, I discovered online writing opportunities, how to make those pay better, then more markets that paid better. Today, I find myself sitting at my computer, writing to you on a beautiful snowy day from my quiet country home, while listening to my favorite tunes on Pandora. I've published two books, have a third in progress, two busy weeks of writing ahead, and an inquiry on promoting my cookbook for Valentine's Day from a longtime writing friend. Two friends have written asking how to make money online and get started in freelance writing, both of which are covered in my upcoming book. One of them has agreed to do a cover blurb for me. This feels like success for now.