How do you measure success?

I regard success as blessings and series of opportunities for growth coming to me after my efforts, hard work and perseverance towards certain goals in my daily life. Success, big and small, can lead to gratefulness and self contentment. 

I delight both in acquiring and giving. Working to receive ones necessities for living and giving away or sharing whatever I can are equally important. 

I am also happy for the success of other people. They make me understand the importance of hard work, individual uniqueness and personal choices. When things are not going well with me in my own goals, I lift up to God my burdens and look around for inspiration and encouragement from successful people.

— Hilda Bay-od

While being asked, “who wants to be a failure?” I am sure no one would raise his hand. We all want to be good at what we do, to be competent and respected and admired. But in God’s eyes, worldly success means nothing. That’s not to say that success is wrong by default. God blesses and multiplies our efforts abundantly. There are many famous, respected, and wealthy people who are holy and righteous. But the point is, it is not wealth or power or fame that makes our souls pleasing in God’s eyes. It is what is in our hearts. 

So for me, I would measure success with Love, because it is how God sees us. Like St. Therese of Lisieux said, “do small things with great love.”

When we see God face to face, he would not care whether we hold a big title in society or not. He will not ask us what degree in school we have finished or what certificates we have collected, but we will have to give account for every empty word we have spoken. 

  — Maria Nida Carvellida

I worked as an overseas worker here in Hong Kong since May 1995. My plan like others was to have our own house and for my children to finish their education. Thank God that I was blessed with a good employer who treated me like one of their own.

After four years, we were able to build our own house and the education of my children became my only priority. By God’s grace they finished their education and have their own families and good jobs. I am grateful for God’s providential care for us and for my spouse who took care and guided our children. 

When I was still in Hong Kong I spent my free time and holidays in serving the church. I helped the community as a photographer in its activities.

Having spent 26 years of working in Hong Kong, I retired and returned to the Philippines. People say I am now rich with so much earnings from working abroad. That is not true. I was only able to save a bit for our future. For me I was successful being an overseas worker because I have attained my dreams for my family but it entailed sacrifices and self discipline. My treasure is being with all my loved ones and that is my happiness and success in life. I could not have reached my goal had it not been for God’s blessings. As I received blessings from God, I too share in my little way blessing to others in need. 

— Bong del Pilar Murillo

Wealth, job, titles and social status are the most common measures of success. However, on my own perspective success is living life as a happy woman, achieving my dreams, having a meaningful career, helping my family and providing my children with the life that they deserve. I feel happy and fulfilled when I give without expecting anything in return. I am always reminded that God will be delighted with a cheerful giver. I do not envy others’ success because I know and understand that everyone suffers from many struggles and difficulties before they become successful. I believe that everyone has his own time to become the kind of person he intends to be.

— Maribel Pacalso

Success is not measured by what we have accomplished in life, whether it is about money, fame and power, rather, it is by how we manage to maintain a positive outlook in dealing with problems that we encounter every day. For every failure that we face, we can have the courage to face tomorrow with a hopeful and joyful heart. In short, success for me is measured by the amount of joy and happiness within us that gives us a feeling of contentment. A feeling that gives us no reason to be envious of other’s success. 

— Genelita Tomaniog