What is your definition of success?

Is it November already? October flew by in a flash...on one hand. On the other hand, so much has happened in the last month that September seems like ages ago.

In the beginning of October, I attended the Global Wellness Summit in Kitzbuhel, Austria. The town is nestled in amongst the Alps and is breathtakingly beautiful (not one picture I've seen can do it justice!) The speakers were inspiring, and it was wonderful connecting with old friends while making new ones. As if it couldn't be any better, we also visited a thermal wellness resort, where we steamed, saunaed and swam our hearts out. Amazing.

With that said, one of the best parts of the trip was hearing many of the presenters speak about mental well-being. While many spas and wellness practitioners talk about the importance of holistic health, emotional, psychological and spiritual issues often take a backseat to the physical. (Perhaps it's because the external is more visible while thoughts and emotions are easier to overlook?) Regardless, it's thrilling for me, someone who's so passionate about inner-balance and deep connection to self, to see this wave cresting in the wellness industry. It feels so good and and I can't wait to watch, and hopefully be a part of this shift.

My next stop was San Francisco, where I took a long-weekend coaching intensive. Wow, did I learn a lot. With new tools to help flip perspectives and reach beneath the surface, I feel armed with even more ways to help usher in change. So exciting!

In just a few short weeks, I've experienced and changed so much on the inside. But when I realized that it was already November and that I'd dropped the ball on my online presence, I felt a bit frustrated. Rats! How did I let that happen? It was then that I thought: Well what is my definition of success, anyway? Is it purely externally driven? Or is the fact that I've expanded and improved in ways that will help me be more successful in the long run a win?

I decided that for me, growth and progress in any form is a success. It's a win for me, and a win for anyone I interact with.

So now I ask you the same question. What is your definition success? Is it something that others can see? Having the nicer car? The bigger paycheck? The pat on the back? Or is it an expansion of your heart? Understanding something you couldn't before. A hug from someone you haven't seen in years.

All of the above can feel wonderful. And there's no right or wrong. No judgement. Just be curious and notice. What is your definition of success?