I’m watching the path of Hurricane Milton today and hoping that it doesn’t cause as much damage as predicted. It is scary how powerful this storm is and how much we don’t control in our lives.

Milton is arriving so fast after many lives were lost in Hurricane Helene. The images after that storm of the broken buildings, the changes in river paths, and destroyed roads and bridges are reminders of what can be lost quickly.

The storm that devastated major sections of the southeastern U.S. has also brought people together. Neighbors and strangers have helped each other with food and water. The stories of rescues and generosity are plentiful. The linemen are working to restore power. First responders are working overtime. People are volunteering their time, talent, and resources to help remote communities recover.

And it has me thinking about how we define success in our lives. I’m all for setting goals and pushing for big results. But these storms have me thinking about success in a different way.

Maybe we should shift from solely focusing on big audacious goals that are about profit, revenue, and growth (personal and professional) to something else.

In the coming weeks we will have opportunities to provide support to the areas in Florida that are going to be damaged. Some people alive today won’t be alive by this weekend. There will be fear, loss, grief, and trauma so big from Hurricane Milton.

May each of us find a way to help at least one life breathe easier. Today. Tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day...

“To laugh often and much; 
to win the respect of the 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 that one life has breathed easier  
because you lived. 
This is to have succeeded.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

#success #hurricanehelene #hurricanemilton #ralphwaldoemerson #breatheeasier #staysafe #goals