As I sat pondering this question I thought Id look it up. To be fulfilled (according to Mr. Webster) is: a: to put into effect: execute, b: to meet the requirements of a (business order), c: to bring to an end, d: to measure up, e: satisfy. f: to convert into reality, g: to develop the full potentialities of.

I really like the simple phrase, to convert into reality. The word convert clearly implies that it (whatever it is) has come from a personal desire, dream or wantwhich is perfect. Perfect in the sense that everything we decide is a want first originates in our dreams and the obtaining of that want would equal fulfillment.

Translate that into everyday life and you have a recipe for achievement and success. Of course, everyone has a different definition of fulfillment, success and achievement, but this comes very close to a universal description, according to Webster anyway.

In June of 2004 when my co-author Michael Conrad Kelley and I reached an agreement to write and publish our first parenting tool and childrens book Zooch the Pooch, My best Friend a dream had been launched. Sixteen arduous months later when we held the colorful book in our hands, to say we felt joyfully fulfilled would be an understatement.

Dreams can be achieved in a few days, months or sometimes in years. The quiet patience it takes to allow them to fulfill is the hard part. Most of us that take the difficult path of being an entrepreneur work tremendous hours to bring our deepest dreams to fruition. Having the luxury of freedom to realize our dreams through our own work is the driving force.

As a writer, I want to be fulfilled by being accepted (read: published), that thrill never goes away. I want to earn a high level of income from my creative pursuits, which demands time and dedication. That nice, fat investment portfolio is a dream all by itself.

Knowing that you did this with your own two hands, one brain and a lot of sweat and tears, determination, and grit is very fulfilling too. As I create new graphics on our website, work on the manuscript for the next book, post articles on the Internet, look for new marketing techniques, and implement them, I also feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

The question that has been lurking in the back of my mind lately is, When will I be so fulfilled that I can quit working and play?

Maybe I just need a delightful vacation after several years of continuous work; to sit and reap the rewards is also another way of feeling fulfilled, knowing that what you did got you there, right? Well, maybe after I get the next book done

Anyway you look at it, its fun to ponder.

Keith Renninson

Keith E. Renninson is a native of Colorado. After a tour of duty in Viet Nam, he returned home and spent 30 years as a financial planner and insurance agent. He was a two-term President of the Mile-Hi Association of Life Underwriters and four-term President of the Kipling Sun Homeowners Association. He is the Chairman of the 2006 Tour de Cure bicycle ride for the American Diabetes Association in Colorado. Keith is also the current Vice-President of COBRAS (Colorado Organization of Bicycle Racing Seniors).

In 1995, he self-published his first book, ?The Pain & Joy of Love: A Collection of Poetry, Black and White Photography and Short Stories.? In 2003, Keith was the Editor of the Arapahoe Community College Art and Literary Magazine ?The Progenitor,? and in 2004-2005 the Editor of the Arapahoe Observer newspaper.

During eight years of the 1990's, Keith wrote his column, "Philosophically Speaking" for the Downtown Denver News.

In August 2004, Keith's essay "Compassion at Death's Door" was published by The American Legion Magazine and received worldwide acclaim.

When neighbor Michael Conrad Kelley offered they work together on his manuscript ?Zooch the Pooch,? Keith was excited and honored to be involved in such a worthy project. An illustrated children's book and parenting tool, Zooch was published in November of 2005 and is available on their website or at Amazon.com.

Mike and Keith are also professional speakers presenting their inspirational talk & seminar "Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." They can be contacted directly for radio, TV and print interviews.

In December 2006, one of Keith's latest essays, "To Achieve Clarity in Life Make Meditation Part of Your Day" will appear in a new book "101 Ways to Improve Your Life" alongside notable authors such as Mark Victor Hansen of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame.

Keith formed Golden Years Videos, LLC with business partner Jeff Forman which produces exercise videos for senior citizens, and those unable to perform standing exercises. Always the exercise enthusiast Keith, wanted to provide a series of videos which would assist those in need of conditioning. You can see more about this at the Golden Years Videos website listed above.

In his leisure time, Keith studies philosophy, competes in American Cycling Association bicycle races around Colorado, loves to downhill ski, practices yoga, writes and climbs the Fourteener?s of Colorado?s Rockies.