"The One"

Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash

Firstly, thanks to all who reached out after last week's post regarding imposter syndrome.

It was pretty common among so many, and so happy reading the email; it resonated and helped a few of you.

When speaking about it to someone who reads my weekly emails, they were a little surprised that I felt that way.

The conversation continued, and it was the one I needed to hear more than anything.

And the conversations I often have with that person tend to leave me feeling the same way, allowing me to see things with different eyes.

They continued to remind me not only of the hard work I had put in over the last few months or the four years of college, but they also went as far back as the sacrifices I had made, the chances I took on changing careers at 30 to learn a new trade, and then the choice I made to return to college later on in life.

Hearing that being acknowledged by someone I look up to and someone who has inspired me all their life with their bravery and zero fear in stepping out of their comfort zone to better themselves and those they love meant so much to me.

A person who selflessly made and continues to make choices for the good of others, whose kindness astounds me daily.

As a child, we see everyone as old. We didn't even think that we would eventually get to their age one day, and the idea of being called old would horrify us.

On that rare occasion when our bad behavior would go too far, and they would reach for the wooden spoon as a scare tactic, we knew as ten-year-olds this "old" person in their early 30s would never catch us, but we still went on our toes as fast as we could.

But when that same "old' person, aged forty-one, decides to go back to college, we see that as a wow moment that inspires you more than you could even fathom back then.

These are the conversations we need and the "ones" we need in our lives, the people that remind us of the good we have done when we may forget or doubt ourselves. 

The "ones" who are not afraid or hold back on some hard home truths too when needed.

But it was said in the best possible way, a place full of love and care.

These types of people are the good "ones," and if we are lucky enough, we will surround ourselves with as many people like that as possible. I know I am fortunate enough to be.

But this person in question, I only have one of and as much as it may be "their" job to say nice things and be on your side, it has not always been like that (remember the wooden spoon). 

Still, we have gotten to this place through love, respect, and open, honest communication, the ingredients to all good relationships, even with your mammy.

We all need reminding of the journey we have been on, the chances we took, and the decisions we made (good or bad), and we know that all of that has gotten us to be who we are today.

Who are your "ones?" 

And are you in need of a conversation with them?

To remind you of all you have achieved, even the things you may have forgotten.

So to my mam who took a chance and went back to college at the young age of 41, thank you for inspiring me, reminding me of the small things I had forgotten, and making me realize how big they were in your eyes. 

And help remind me that no matter how old I am, there is nothing like a good honest chat with your ma.

As always, thanks for reading.

Marcus.