The measurement of success varies from one individual to the other and for me, mine is measured by the amount of positive pleasure that is derived in the pursuit of my passion.
For a whole lot, their success may only be cached on how much money is lining their pockets and if that is the case, then that deep satisfaction and contentment that comes from the unquantified simple things of life will continue to remain elusive in the never-ending need to make an extra buck.
Even though it’s a fact that one must earn a living however, one’s success should not only be determined by the yardsticks of the greenback.
The past fortnight have been such bloggisatisfying time for me that I kept going to bed each night with a wide smile pasted on my face.
It first started with Ben Huberman sending me a very polite and surprising mail inviting me to participate in contributing a theme/prompt for the just concluded poetry class and believe me when I say that my heart expanded in extra warmth.
I had not planned to take the class initially, but I am so delighted that I did and yes, I feel proud to have had my prompt chosen and even if such an opportunity never arises again, this was a big bolster for me, so I am preening. Thank you.
Then Carlos a darling blogger sent me a surprise letter which brought tears to eyes and my heart expanded some more.
In no way did I know that those little words that I kept sharing with him had such meaningful impact enough to warrant taking the time to write me a special letter.
This totally reminds me of these quotes: “Encouragement is said to be the oxygen for the human spirit. Do not forget you are carrying someone’s air with you. Encourage them. Help them breathe” – anonymous.
”Make someone smile whenever you can. You never know how much of a difference you could be making in their life at that moment.”
It’s me Saraa topped my weeks sweetness with her own ration of surprise sprinkles and I continued to smile.
…And to complete my harvest of smiles, few weeks ago at the neighbourhood cafe, I met Lara, a lovely, smiley Filipino lady with whom I had a brief chat when I was busy scribbling and tapping away seriously on my laptop.
She struck a conversation asking me what I was working so intently on. I told her that it was my blog and she requested for the name, which I scribbled on a scrap of paper and gave to her.
Believe me when I say that I never thought that she would even bother. I just thought that she was being polite and that the scrap of paper would be lost even before the ink dried.
Well, I ran into her once again today and with smiles dotting her entire face she walked up to me and said Miss Jacqueline, I have been reading your blog.
You write and rhyme so well. I enjoy reading your blog in the evening. I am following you now and sent you an FB request.
I quickly checked my FB request status which has close to 200 or more requests yet to be answered *covering my face* and I accepted her request right there and then, but I simply felt like I had won some pretty penny.
We chit-chatted some more and I think I hummed back to my house or should I say tweeted back to my house in utter pleasure.
There you have it. I have seen a lot of magic and earned a lot of satisfaction this week. A good evening to you from Dubai.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
That’s so wonderful to hear! I hope many more blessings follow! You deserve them all! ❤
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Many thanks for your blessings 🙂
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Nice post. Blogging can be such a satisfying thing. Wishing you a great evening from NYC
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Ahh! NYC. I like the bustle of New York though I am always on edge when I visit. Thank you very much 🙂
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NYC is very stressful. Another year or two and I will move. Have a good one.
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You too 🙂
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Each one has different takes about blogging, and that’s the beauty of it. You seem to have made many friends indeed.
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I really have Vamagandhi. I am truly richer for it. My appreciations 🙂
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I know the feeling of happiness blogging could create. At the same time it is quite unbearable to go through it’s disappointments (which has actually made me a wreck today) Anyways I’m happy for you and keep smiling 🙂
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I am smiling with you Amra. I believe that we all have our ups and down days and I know that you will look up soon. I enjoy our connections 🙂
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I enjoy are connection too. Could you check out my latest post and leave a comment? That could make my day. I hope I’m not bothering you and I’m sorry for this note of desperation
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Not a problem at all. Will do so 🙂
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Thank you so much! I appreciate it very very much!
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My pleasure 🙂
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I love this! I have a 9-5 job and for me blogging is a hobby (as in I do not do it for profit). But I do derive immense pleasure from the messages and acknowledgements I receive from people who actually took time to read my words! I am hooked to this forum. And I love the little community my participation has created! Blog on my friend. We are reading! 🙂
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Honestly Kat, I had no idea that it would be this enriching. It’s simply indescribable and I am hooked. Thank you so much for your support and warm presence 🙂
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Such a wonderful read. I’ve missed having time to indulge in your realm Jacqueline. Thank you for the pingback. But in regards to the post itself, I’d say it’s true. You never really know who’s day you’re gonna make or who’s gonna make your day. So being such a lovely person has some beautiful rewards! 🙂 Wonderful post as always!
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Thank you Carlos 🙂 I believe in that quote as well, like you made mine the other day 😉
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You’re welcome (;
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I think the fact that you are such a genuinely lovely person and are so supportive of other bloggers has a lot to do with what this lady wanted to read your blog. Of course when she did read it and saw how talented a writer you are, it must have impressed her even more 🙂
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What a lovely thing to say Edwina. Now you’ve added your own smile on my face. Thank you my dear friend. I do appreciate your support always 🙂
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It is my pleasure Jacqui, you are always so lovely to everyone 🙂
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Blogging has become so enjoyable, almost addictive, to me, too. Those of us with the hearts of writers can’t have anything better, it’s so immediate! And the friends I’ve made in just a few short months mean a lot to me…
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I understand this very well Diane. The pleasure is immense. I enjoy connecting with you 🙂
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My oldest makes fun sometimes cause I’m still so in awe that I know people all around the world now — he’s like, that’s why they call it the World Wide Web, mom!
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I am sure they wonder why you are so tickled, but the delight just doesn’t get old for me too, so I quite understand your feelings 🙂
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Reading this has left me with a wide smile on my face too…
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That is the idea Margaretha to spread some smiles and I am happy that you are smiling 🙂
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I’m happy Jacqueline that you are finding success as you define it and have worked so hard to obtain. Someday, I will say yes, I knew Jacqueline Obyikocha when she was only, an ambitious beginner. God bless your 2016 with many more achievements.:0)
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Pam my dearest friend, you are such a gem of a sweetheart. Thank you very much for your blessings. Blessed love and best wishes to you and yours too 🙂
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I love you oh so very much !! Jacqueline you deserve the best in the whole wide world !!
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Thank you my dear Saraa. Blessed love to you too my dear one. You are special 🙂
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I knew you would met a smiling face, seeee :D.
P.S You are a very inspirational and encouraging blogger.
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So are you my friend, so are you 🙂
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That’s amazing!! 🙂
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Thanks dear 🙂
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It sounds like an amazing time, you deserve it, you are so lovely 🙂
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Thank you dear one. Happy New Year in a few hours to you and yours. Blessed and the best of 2016
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And Happy new year to you
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