Redefining Success

Have you ever had a dream dashed by a challenge or mental illness? Have you ever felt like giving in or gripped by fear that all is lost? Have you defined success in your life or have you let others define it? Have you failed to meet someone's expectations? Success can be defined in many different ways. Or success can be redefined based on current circumstances. Part I of this book is about my struggle with mental health issues that challenged a dream and required me to redefine success for my life. This book takes you through my journey and also provides tips for succeeding in aspects of everyday life. In my work as a Peer Support Specialist I have encountered consumers who have been committed to the largest forensic state hospital in Texas. Many of them have been convicted of crimes. The mental illness these consumers experience and the crimes they have committed are only part of who they are and do not define them as a person. They have dreams like anyone else. Their dreams may be on a different scale. For them, success may come in small steps toward wholeness and reconciliation with self and society. My job is to instill hope in their lives as someone who has been through the mental health system and who has emerged from the other side experiencing recovery. Part II of this book is a collection of inspirational devotions on the topic of success in different practical areas. Some examples include success with anxiety, success with depression, and success with loneliness. They are each based on the Christian Scriptures and are filled with an abundance of relevant illustrations. Anyone who has wondered about how their faith is related to real life will be able to identify with these inspirational pieces.