When it just doesn't matter

I had a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago, during which he described the breakout success of a peer he'd mentored ... someone who by all accounts was not nearly as talented nor accomplished as my friend, yet this person's career has taken off, and in a very short period of time this person has achieved what is considered (by society's standards) massive success ... far more so than my seasoned, hardworking, capable friend.

Have you ever been in that sort of situation?  I have.

Most of us have witnessed it with others as well.  How often have we heard a wealthy recording artist's music and thought, "My neighbor makes better music in his garage!"

Many of us have friends whose unpublished stories are 'better' and more interesting than the ones raking in millions of dollars at the box office.

And for those who took art classes back in school, the scenario of a hapless teacher's pet's work being heaped with praise while the compelling work of others is disdained by the same teacher is so prevalent it's become cliche.

So what do we do at such times, when our quality work is ignored, unappreciated or even reviled?

Hard as it may be to believe, those situations really don't matter.
Because they truly don't mean anything, and they certainly don't define us.

These days, we're often encouraged to follow our dreams, and that's a lovely sentiment; but it's just the tip of the iceberg.  Whether or not we get that publishing deal or our soulful self-help seminar is well-attended has nothing to do with anything. Those sorts of outcomes are just one gauge of success, and a very limited one.

At the end of the day, what makes us feel successful and worthy and valuable is not measured by numbers and fans and sales and statistics. It's the good we do and embody. It's our love for ourselves and others that we so generously share in whatever fabulous form it takes.

If you find yourself in the position where it appears your dreams have been dashed, don't give in to despair or even discouragement. All that's really going on is an opportunity to dig deeper in your understanding of what this life is all about, and to find new ways to be a blessing to the world. And who knows, there may come a time when those previous dreams get dusted off and put back into play with results beyond what you initially imagined.  The point is, you can be happy and fulfilled and do good work now, regardless of how it's received by others.

Stay true to who you are and you will always find ways to share your gifts, in one form or another.
Now get out there and be the best 'you' you can be!