September 30, 2007
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GLORY RECOGNITION EGO–HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
I didn’t go and have the Supreme Court Admission Certificate framed because I am wrestling with the ego of it. I mockingly call the wall found in many professional offices where diplomas and certificates are framed and mounted walls of “shame.” The “shame” is that they blare to the world look at me and what I have accomplished. Something the typical Joe or Josephine does not do and more importantly shift the view from how we treat people to how we are recognized as valuable by people in influence.My mom and dad of course thought it should be framed and placed in my office and so did R, but me I was hesitant. Yesterday I finally succumbed and went to Michaels to have it framed. The framer suggested I come back today as they were having a 1/2 price sale and frankly what I selected black matting, topped by rich maroon matting, topped by gold matting with a thick frame of maroon and gold was a bit pricey. Not so pricey I couldn’t do it, if I wanted to, but 1/2 price or not today the question became do I want to do it.
Since today was the day to have weighty talks with my mom about choices and my actions, you know seek her counsel, I finally blurted out I was concerned about the framing thing. I explained my personal decision not to display such things as my law school diploma in a business driven by ivy league schools, one of which I attended, nor my various certificates of admission to federal and state courts. I told my mom I thought it was flashy and showoffish and would be even more so if I only had one up for the Supreme Court of the US.
She listened and tried to convince me it was good idea and something my clients should see. I told her that is what R said too at least three (3) months ago when the actual certificate was promised but had not arrived in the mail.
“The thing is it makes me uncomfortable.”
With that said my mom told me a truth that has guided me everyday of my life, “Then wait and see, there is no need to rush; be comfortable.”
So today I have cleaned a bit, shared secret tough thoughts with a really close friend at my mom’s urging, washed clothes and put the certificate back in its heavy cardboard mailing envelope. Framing the certificate was put aside for another day . . . .
I feel so blessed to have a mom who listens and encourages me to just be me. My relationship with her is different than hers with anyone else. For that I am lucky and appreciative.
Sometimes in life we need to step past acclaim and embrace being enough without constant recognition. Sure recognition may come but then it can be silently accepted uplifting the moment in which it is received and then placed back in its heavy envelope for safe keeping.
May Love enfold You as I Am enfolded by Love.
Namaste`
Mara
Comments (5)
Personally, I am inspired by women who have what we fondly, in the military called an “I Love Me” wall. I’ll be honest and say not so much for men, but women have had so many more struggles in accomplishing things in “traditionally” male careers.
BUT, what I immediately thought of in reading this post was this:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
personally if i see it in an office i’m going to i feel better. if i saw it in someone’s house i would think they were bragging. in your office is not being show off ish. it’s putting people at ease. if i went to a dentist office or doctor and did not see some type of degree i would not want them playing with my insides!
you should grab some strawberries at the grocery store. these were wonderful. i dont usually eat healthy things. they made me itch all over! lol. it was worth it though. they were good.
Don’t put it up until you want to! I don’t care if professionals have diplomas, etc. displayed. (Unless they look 12 years old!) But sometimes, they are more interesting to look at than the generic hotel-type paintings.
RYC: COOL!!!!!!!!!! Have you seen the new Dali/Disney short? ‘Destino’ or something is the title. Maybe 10 minutes of a work Disney wanted to do with Dali. A ‘Fantasia’ like film. I like unique pieces in offices!!!
If I had an office, and wall of shame I would put up a giant picture of Scarface.
RYC: It’s on a protected post.