I have come to think of success in the same way as the minivan thermometer. The minivan thermometer displays the indoor and outdoor temperature. Translating to success, that translates to my definition of success and society’s definition of success.

I am successful in one sense: I forgave the person who wronged me the most, I’m not hooked on illegal drugs, I haven’t been hospitalized for mental illness in 20 years, I do work for the immediate family and autism group. I have two modest jobs that I work.

But that’s not society’s definition of success. Society’s definition of success is having a nice place, a nice car, a good job, charisma, faith in God, normal looks, etc.. if you don’t have that, people treat you like garbage. People go into reduced functionality mode when they engage you if they return your messages at all.