Why chase dreams when you could be living them? Don't just dream about success. Become the success you want to see.

One day, my coworker called my name in haste. He said it in a summoning way, and I didn't react but was wondering what was going on. He asked me, "Isn't that Vivica A. Fox?" I looked at the woman who blended in like any guest, makeup-free, and I said no so quickly as if I knew her personally. Giving her credit for resembling a cousin at best.

Fun fact: my reference was checking her out as a front desk agent at another hotel. 

Needless to say, this woman caught my interest, and if it was her, I didn't want her to see me staring, but then I heard her voice and said yup, that's her. Jokingly, I said I almost lost my black card to my coworker. And if you don't know the saying, it refers to things that black people usually do or know right away. When we miss something or do something out of the ordinary culturally, someone would say your card has been revoked in jest. As she sat at the bar hidden behind the draft beers, I noticed she was lost in her conversation. It was like a tennis match that you didn't dare want to interrupt - unless you were making drinks.

I walked by and felt like home energy and knew it was definitely her once I got closer. It was thee Vivica A. Fox, and she was as welcoming as can be. I also knew people could want their alone time, so I was careful not to outstay my welcome. Like most guests, she was in town for business and leisure activities. 

Her at-ease nature made me enjoy serving her later and exchanging laughs and chats. I found my reaction surprised me. Anyone in my shoes would be tempted to ask for a favor. I would be lying if it didn't cross my mind, but it didn't feel right in my spirit. 

Even though she didn't remember when I met her at the previous hotel, I remembered how gracious and warm she was, and that openness was good enough for me. I knew it would be risky if I took a chance, and I gave her a gift the next day without requiring anything in return. I am officially in my service era. Being of service started as a way to pay my bills and afford me a flexible schedule to pursue my passions. Today, it is a gift.

Somewhere, it stopped being about the pursuit. Instead, patience, discernment, gratitude, and confidence became a way of being. Remember when I said that I would share other aspects of myself? I don't just blog or have side hustles; I am a prolific writer. Anything that I can share that inspires - I do it. And it brings me unexplainable joy that I can do for the rest of my life. 

How do you define success?

Success is not always how much money you make but how much freedom you have. If you are free in your mind and you live life by design, you are successful. If you are true to yourself - you are successful. If you set boundaries, you are indeed successful. Success is what we, as individuals, claim it to be. 

It is whatever brings us joy and allows us to sleep peacefully at night and smile like no one is watching. 

Success is no longer thinking life is one way but is two-way, reminding oneself that you have options. The best thing about seeing Ms. Fox is remembering that no matter how successful you might be, all you have is that moment. Don't waste it being puffed up or not speaking up if need be. You can still be a solid, down-to-earth person while believing in yourself - thriving. Just being able to witness a masterclass in communication was a win-win for me. 

May you always believe and be willing to see what is remarkable about you, too, and know that sometimes the most significant risk is being comfortable in your own skin, no matter who is in your presence. 

That sounds successful to me.