Women often talk about wanting more equality with men, but sometimes the barriers in our way need to be torn down by us. We sometimes have some issues with the way we react to the success of another woman.
Have you ever felt guilty when you share an accomplishment with someone? That could be because we have heard and seen the reactions of women when that happens, and it isn’t always pretty. A woman I know was complaining that so many women on Facebook were bragging. She thought it was shameful. Although I know I am being naïve I would like to think most of the people on my Facebook feed are family and friends who would celebrate any success with me. Isn’t it more shameful to judge someone for sharing the joy of doing something extraordinary?
What if instead of feeling jealous when someone tells us about being successful at something we celebrated the person, and asked her advice on what works for her if that is something we would like to try? It is beautiful to watch women who help each other succeed, and it’s ugly when the opposite happens.
How do you react when someone congratulates you on your success? Do you say “Thank you”, or do you need to add a self-deprecating remark because you feel uncomfortable? Most success doesn’t happen because of luck. It usually requires time and effort to make it happen. I am a runner, and I do races almost every weekend. I am not super-fast, but I’m fast enough to medal in my age group usually. I was posting how I did at each race but stopped doing it after several negative comments were made to me. I started just saying that I had done a certain race, but then I realized that I had every right to post how I had done, and maybe I might inspire someone else to run if she saw the joy it brought me.
As odd as it sounds there are people who will resent your success. Keep moving forward and enjoying the ride. Let negative people take ownership of their issues. It’s not your problem.
I wish you all success at whatever brings you joy. Be proud of your success, own it, and never apologize.
Comments / 0