Success - by who's measure?


I was recently told that I underestimate myself, by a family member. It wasn't just me three of my sisters were lumped in there as well. Reasons were given as to why the person speaking assumed we underestimated ourselves, business we could be running and owning and education we could be taking on board.
My instant reaction was to speak back but I bit my tongue realising that the person speaking had a different measure of Success and a different Value System. I had an inner smile at this.


I don't underestimate myself. I have no doubt I could own and run the business specified ... if I actually wanted to. I measure myself as successful if I achieve something I set out to, if I am being true to myself, keeping myself challenged and learning. So I may set out to bake bread, knit something new, turn a sheet into Pyjamas, Clean my bathroom or quit a no longer satisfying job ... not make lots of money have my name known.
I measure myself as Successful if my kids are happy, learning, well fed, clothed, comforted, loved and growing in to well rounded people.


I may just be a little fish in a big ocean, ( or a little bird in a big tree in the case of the photo above )  not making a difference to many people but if the four people living in my house are happy, then I am making a difference to the most important people.
So I had a little smile to myself, and listened while someone close told me I underestimate myself. As I realised that it is actually them that underestimate's me. ; )

Hope you are having a great week, I know I have been quiet here lately, I'm here just thinking a lot and not writing. I should have something creative to share tomorrow. : )



Comments

  1. Wouldn't it be nice if people thought before they actually spoke?
    Success can be measured in many different ways - it's not always money and fame!

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  2. Nice one! Thankyou for sharing this story - I can really relate to your definition of success and the pressure there is to be otherwise.

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  3. Good woman yourself!!! You have definitely got your priorities right up there! and yep, so many folks underestimate the importance of raising a family, my hat is off to you!

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  4. Yep, sounds like you are very successful to me!

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  5. Great post Tammy... and an even better realisation.

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  6. I LOVE this post, I'm glad you shared your thoughts as I'm sure there are so many out there that feel the same way. Have a beautiful day! Heather

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  7. Great post, Tammy. It was probably just as well that you didn't say anything. Some people simply don't get it, but you do, and that is all that matters.

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  8. I sense a nice sense of self-confidence in what you say. Good for you Tammy.

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  9. Very articulate. Thanks for sharing! xo

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  10. You go girl! Lead the way and may your inner smile continue to grow!

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  11. Hey Tammy!

    Been missing reading where you are at. You are doing great. I like the hair change - did something similar myself! Don't feel like I have a moment to scratch but then little man decides to have an extra sleep so thought I would hop in and say hi.

    Sarah

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  12. I am with you in this issue - everyone has different measures of success - yours sounds pretty closely aligned to mine as it goes. Well done from having the strength to hold your tongue and smile deeply inside!!! PS Love the red baktus scraf you've finished too. x

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