Childhood Vision of Success

One vivid childhood memory that I have is of my father and I driving home from something or another when all of the sudden my dad stops off on the side of the road to assist someone who's car was immobile. I was in the car all the while, but I soon learned that the man had run out of gas and was supposedly out of gas. I can remember my dad getting back in the car and driving up to the nearest gas station where they didn't sell gas cans. I then saw my dad come out of the store with a gallon of milk-he dumped the milk out and then filled the jug with gasoline and took it back to the man on the side of the road. I don't think I've ever seen someone so appreciative and somewhat stunned at what had been done for him. I, to this day, still think it was one of the most generous things that my dad has ever done (or at least what I've witnessed).

I think this instance has shaped my perspective on what it means to lead a successful life- it may not always be about making money or making yourself happy, but about assisting others and maybe finding some pleasure and satisfaction in what you do for someone else. To see how elated this man was when he saw a milk jug filled with gas is something that I will never forget and I think that it also made my father equally as happy that he could do such a jesture for someone. I would have to say that I am a beleiver in karma and this memory surely had much to do with my current outlook on success.