I was making a shepherd’s pie, thinking that this Sunday is one month since I lost my sweet Poncho, and wondering what to write for this Sunday’s post. Recalling the events of my week, I remembered a conversation I had with a good friend. We were talking about the future and our goals when…
But first, let me ask you: Do you feel blessed? Do you feel like you have it all, or are you on the right path to making your dream a reality?
From my experience, there are two types of people – or maybe three, but let’s stay with two for now. The first type can’t feel blessed even if they have it all because they keep comparing themselves to others. The second type can’t feel blessed because they constantly compare themselves to the image they created of themselves at the beginning of their journey.
I belong to the second category. I have always compared myself to the image I created of myself when I was young – more precisely, in 1990, when the window of opportunity opened up in my country. And oh boy, did I dream!
Some of those dreams came true. I won a popularity award with a fashion design that I presented at the first “free” fashion show in my city at the National Theatre. I enrolled in fine art school, worked as a research engineer at a research institute, opened a small gym in the largest hotel, hosted a radio show…
When I look back I often wonder how did I accomplish so much in only five years before I left my country? And why did I leave?
I left because I was hungry for more. More experiences, more achievements…
Back to the conversation I had with my friend earlier this week – I was surprised when he told me how much he admired me. When he referred to me as an accomplished professional, I thought it was sweet of him, but “accomplished” was the last word I would have used to describe myself.
It felt like synchronicity when, in the middle of the week, I received a letter from work acknowledging me as a professional (almost) at the top of my career path. More precisely, at level four out of five. Honestly, I wouldn’t have paid attention to the letter at all if it wouldn’t have been for my conversation with my friend.
As you can see, even if you are “at the top,” if your image of being accomplished is different, you won’t feel that way. I’m writing this post for those of you who, like me, do not feel accomplished. Keep in mind: if you don’t feel accomplished, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t.
My journey has had many ups and downs, unexpected turns, and detours that challenged my strengths, capabilities, and resilience. And as I smelled the aroma of my pie, reflecting on my life, I thought to myself: even if I may not feel accomplished yet, I feel blessed.
My shepherd’s pie – bitter-sweet, and so tasty!