January of 2012 was quite the challenging one for me. New York City is going after small businesses left right and center for everything they can think of since the city is strapped for dollars and it has really taken a toll on me and my enthusiasm as an entrepreneur- not to mention that we are in our slowest season for business. Even I, an eternal optimist, have been feeling squeezed.

Yet, somehow, I am still optimistic. Because all we can do is keep going. All we can do is continue to smile and find ways to grow. What’s the point of it all otherwise? If it doesn’t hurt, how can we grow anyway?

Quite a few friends of mine are going through this point in their lives/careers where they’re asking themselves “What is my definition of success? What’s the point of all this?”

And here is one brilliant definition of success, by Emerson, that will make me smile and put things in perspective forever:

Thank you Emerson.