Nice post Starry, although, and not too sound like I am taking issue, if I had the flu 24/7 I would consider it a part of who I am just as my height and weight is a part of who I am. It would clearly have an impact on what I do and how I am doing.

But your point is very valid nevertheless. In the end it does not define you.

Your other points were also very good. Along those lines I think it is also imperative that you do not allow society or outside influence to tell you what success is or what meandering through life is.

Ironically there have been many late bloomers who did not have mental disorders and they were happy and became "successful".

Rodney Dangerfield didn't get rolling in comedy until he was in his 40's! Al Jarreau released his first LP at the age 38! Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her first Little House book when she was 65. Colonel Sanders didn't franchise KFC until he was 65! Robert Duvall floundered as an actor until his role in The Godfather at age 40.

And these are people motivated to achieve in ways most of us do not envision. You clearly do not need to be this financially or well known to be happy and successful in your own way.

I mean I am as big of loser as there is and even I in my 46 years have done some things that were personally gratifying. Not including things like the birth of my children and helping them grow despite my deficiencies. And that alone would have been enough for me!