Lorelle on WordPress posted a blog challenge: Write About a Moment When You Felt “Big” (with big defined as successful). The truth is I’ve never felt “big” (successful) but I have felt “big” (validated).
Perhaps one of my proudest moments professionally was when I conducted a School Crisis Response training for the school staff and community members in Saipan. It was the culmination of 3½ years of work assisting teachers and the school system with classroom and school crisis management. I had plenty of help from people who believed in me, e.g. my wife, Congresswoman Cinta Kaipat and her staff, and Congressman Absalon Waki, Jr.
Congresswoman Kaipat had so much faith in me that she funded the production of the School Crisis Response Handbook and she had the local community college, Northern Marianas College, videotape my three-hour presentation! The two video guys treated me like a celebrity. They tested my cordless mic and helped set up the video and audio system. All I had to do was talk — which came naturally for me since that’s never been the problem.
It’s hard to describe in words the feeling of being recognized and validated for what I do from my colleagues and the community. The outpouring of gratitude and positive feedback was amazing.
On that day and in that moment…I felt “big” (validated) and that was a great feeling.
When was that moment for you, the moment when you felt “big”?
January 24th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
That’s a great “big” moment. Sometimes it’s the little things, and sometimes the big things, that make us feel successful and validated. I’m sure that you’ve felt plenty successful. Especially with such a fine blog that helps so many.
January 25th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Thanks Lorelle. It really was a great big moment. Of course it would not have meant much had it not been for those special people in my life being there that night with me. Though my body and mind were exhausted afterwards, all I remember feeling was pure exhilaration.
January 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Felt validated might be good. But something “Big” doesn’t have to be too “Big” for you to feel good.
I have many “Big” experience in life. You know what are those “Big” moment? Not about I get lots of money or sales, it’s about people thank me for making a difference to my life. They thank me for guiding them to have breakthrough with their family, in their job and dreams. Those are very small to me because it doesn’t benefit me but it’s big to them.
You will feel good when you made a difference. This feeling is far more bigger than the feeling good of accomplishing something big. I asked many successful people do they feel good about their achievement. They said they feel good for 1 day or 1 week. They lost their direction in life because they thought success is the ultimate of feeling good in life but they don’t experience that when they achieve it.
So, some of them lose confidence about life and think life have nothing better and worthy to go for. Some of them, realize making a difference and they practice it in life. They are making differences everyday and feel good everyday happily!
Not quite related but hope it contributed to you.
Alex Liu
How To Become A Millionaire
http://secretsofunlimitedwealth.com
January 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Alex: I think you might have misunderstood what I wrote. I agree with you that feeling “Big” doesn’t have to be about major things. However, one that really stood out was feeling acknowledged and appreciated for what I do. That’s why I put “validated” in parentheses next to big.
You’ll see from what I share on this blog that I love what I do because I get a sense of real satisfaction from helping students everyday.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Steve: Thank you for your post. I am glad to have played a part in making you feel appreciated. You are definitely worth your weight in gold and more! Thanks, again, for all that you gave to the children and the people of the CNMI. The books that were published were passed on the PSS. Thanks, again!
January 26th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Cinta: Though I am now physically over 7000 miles away from you there in Saipan, I think about my time there almost everyday, and I miss it so much. I really miss those nights eating sashimi and the long chats at Kinpachi with you, Gus, and Miwa.
By the way, I love your blog’s header image with the turtle. Wow, what a great photo!
January 26th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Steve: You were successful & it was “big”… I was there that day.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Thank you Linda. Very kind of you to say. I really appreciate you being there that night and the fun and food we all shared afterwards with Cinta and Gus.
March 8th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Steve,
Your workshop was exactly what the island needed. It is a shame that nothing has been done to follow it up.
You and your quiet advice are and will be forever missed out here in the South Pacific. I wish you and your wife much happiness and success.
Angie
March 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Thanks Angie. It breaks my heart to read about (online) the continued struggles that the school system and the community face there in Saipan. I think about PSS and Saipan often and hope that in the very near future that Saipan and the CNMI will take proactive steps towards reclaiming its place as the crown jewel of the Pacific.