Out standing in the field today.
Backstory
When ever I got an "O" for outstanding on my papers in school, my family was sure to remind me that cows stood out in the field all the time. It was meant to keep me from thinking too highly of myself. I think it may have worked too well. by Dragonflower in Six-Word Memoirs on Jan 29, 2013 | 
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T-shirt
Comments
ShellDeFelice says,
My Mama used to tell me "Pretty girls are a dime a dozen, what do your insides look like?" They were the generation of squashing self esteem cause they feared we'd be to stuck on ourselves.Dragonflower says,
There was an expression they used about "not getting a big head". When I saw Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, and the Red Queen with her giant head, I laughed and cried. It was what I always imagined I'd look like if I let something good go to my head.MotorCityMich says,
I think you're outstanding every day!Dragonflower says,
Oh, thank you! Very much.ShellDeFelice says,
You have a strong clear confident voice on paper. I love your stuff!catsmeow says,
My parents used to tell my oldest, brilliant brother that he could be run over by a car tomorrow and be a "vegetable", apparently so he wouldn't get a big head. Instead, I think they just scared the shit out of him.Dragonflower says,
Exactly, catsmeow.The interesting thing is, I praised my daughter all over the place, but sincerely and for good reason, and she just developed high self esteem that I've been envious of at times. She can handle any situation with grace and aplomb. Mr. Rogers helped me undo all the scare tactics to self esteem my family instilled in me. Thank you, Mr. R!
Thank you Shell for your nice words. I'll take them to heart today.
catsmeow says,
With my daughters, I would say "You must be very proud of yourself" much more often than I said "I'm proud of you". Not sure whether it did what I had hoped it would or not, too many influences around besides moms in this world. Kids are just one big experiment.Dragonflower says,
They are an experiment. Some of my best experiments didnt work. She is definitely her own person!catsmeow says,
That's ultimately what we want, right?Dragonflower says,
Yes! I wouldn't want her any other way! :)