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What does it mean to be successful? I was reading an entry written by Tyler Perry, sent to me via twitter this morning, and it really moved me.. Now, if you know me personally, you'd know that I'm not exactly the biggest Tyler Perry fan in the world. [*yawn* -- Wait.. It's not 2010.. It's not even Tuesday! What's going on here?! An update?!?] Anyway, like I was saying (writing), I'm not the biggest TP fan, but I do admire him for what he does for his community. And when I say his community, I mean the black community, not the ga...nevermind. [Oooh.. low blow! -- no pun intended.. lol.] So yeah, after reading his entry, it got me to thinking about myself -- more importantly, my successes...or lack thereof.


Personally, I would love to be able to afford 65 children the opportunity to embark on an all-expense paid vacation to Disney World.. But, I can't. At least not right now.. But, will I ever..? Will I ever direct, produce and star (dressed as a 60+ year old woman, mind you) in countless stage plays & films, only to gross millions of dollars of which I'll never live long enough to spend? Never will I be that successful.. Or will I..? What exactly does it mean to be "successful"..?


Setting goals, taking the steps necessary and ultimately reaching these pre-established goals.. To me, that's a success! But, what if one's goals don't equate to substantial monetary gains..? ["substantial monetary gains..?" -- is this CNN?] Meaning, what if your goal is to become the Head Maintenance man at the High Museum? Are you not "successful" the day you're issued your golden flashlight? [*crickets*] Do monetary gains go hand-in-hand with success?


I was listening to Drake - Successful on the way to work this morning, and the lyrics make success sound so simple! Money, cars, clothes, and what would success be without...the hoes? That's it! You somehow manage to attain those four things (not necessarily in that order), and you're a success! [at least in the Hip-Hop community..]


But, back to Tyler Perry and his story.. TP wasn't born the huge, mega-millionaire he is today.. He had to climb his way to the top just like the next guy (or guy dressed in drag), and the road wasn't easy.. [Hell, it wasn't even paved!] I've heard stories of him having to live out of the backseat of his car, when there was no place else left to go, just to support his dream.. So again I ask, what does it mean to be successful? To come from nothing and become something..? To help your community and give unselfishly? To make millions?! [I choose d) all of the above]


What can I do with my life to even come close, to one day being able to afford 65+ Jamaican kids the opportunity to travel to Colorado to see snow for the first time? I'll wear a dress, and say "Good Mern'tin!", if necessary! But seriously.. I really want to know.. Don't get me wrong, I love my job.. I really do! But, I don't know.. I just don't see myself working until I'm old enough to retire.. Like, what good is enjoying life after retirement if you're closer to being dead than alive? I know old people gravitate towards Florida during the retirement years, but South Beach ain't nearly as fun at 65 as it was in March!! "Do that Karl Malone.. Do that Karl Malone!" (Sorry, I had a flashback..)


I don't know what's gonna save me from running in this "Rat Race" of life, but I need to find a detour, and fast! Funny thing is, I used to (and still kinda do) want to be a comedic actor, but I didn't know where to start. Some of my friends think I should pursue stand-up comedy, but that's also a very difficult industry to become "successful" in. Before I got my job with Labor, I actually worked [part-time] as a stand-in actor on Tyler Perry's sitcom, House of Pain, filmed here in Atlanta, Ga. Now, that had to be one of the most enjoyable jobs I've ever had, but I was only a stand-in actor -- meaning don't look for me on Wednesday night -- so I was only there for rehearsal purposes. Not to mention the fact that they treat stand-ins pretty shitty.. I guess it's a hierarchy-type thing, but it really sucked waiting on everyone else to eat, before getting your plate.. lol.


On the other hand, if I got paid the way the lead actors (or any of the main characters, for that matter) got paid, I could act until I was Morgan Freeman in the face! But then, would that make me a "successful" actor? How many movies does it take to make you a success? At what point in your life or career do you wake up with that feeling of triumph? That feeling of gratification, fulfillment,...euphoria?! [you sure that's not the feeling of that purple stuff?] The stars are aligned, all systems are go.. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now prepared for lift-off! We're going to the moon, Alice! [Focus!] Sorry, Adult ADD is no bitch.. Where was I..? Oh yeah, so what defines success??


I've graduated high school and college, but I haven't been to graduate school.. To my high school comrades who decides to pursue others avenues of life and skip college, am I one rung up on the "ladder of success", but one step down to a brother with a Master's degree? Again, what defines success..? What does it mean to be successful..? I want the money, cars, clothes and.. ya know, too.. But, how..? I can't rap, sing, or dance.. Well, sober.. NBA, NFL, MLB..? Sure.. If I get to bring my own joystick! The lotto is a waste of dumb luck.. I have a better chance slippin' on water in the supermarket.. Hmm..? [niggas and flies..] lol! I don't know what I'm going to do, or how I'm going to get there.. But, moves need to be made..


I just wanna be successful.

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