My parents are the most impressive people I know. From their matching his and hers Master's degrees to their incredible careers, they are just short of genius. I'm embarrassed to report that up until college I've taken their words of wisdom for granted; instead of appreciating their guidance throughout my youth, I looked for every way to separate myself from their predetermined version of success.
I seemed to be appreciating the path I had paved for myself and didn't pay much mind to my parents' opinions of my lifestyle. However, that all changed when my mother absent-mindedly spoke her mind. She made a comment that has since become one of the greatest insults I have ever received.
When discussing what she thought her children would be like when they grew up, she admitted that me and my sister did not fit her expectations. My mother predicted to have children like her — think the small town 4.0 valedictorian who constantly craved academic success. Instead, my parents had children that were raised around the world and had a knack for adventure but also yearned for a stable life. Me and my sister were far from book worms, and learned to identify with organized sports and the arts rather than our academic advancements. The specific insult my mother hit me with was the statement, "I just thought your father and I would have children that were more intellectually curious".
Whoop. There it is.
The words immediately stung my ears, and I felt like I had been hit with a sucker punch straight to the gut. After seeing my reaction, my mother attempted to explain what she meant and appease my frustration, but just ended up making things worse.
Looking back at the situation now, it is clear that I overreacted. I know now that when my mother said that specific comment, I was so offended because I knew exactly what she meant. I knew that I wasn't the type of child my mom was expecting, but hearing that she thought the same was almost too much to bear.
Although it was tough to take at the time, I am beyond grateful to have been insulted in that way. I was confronted with one of my biggest insecurities by the one person I love and respect most. It was inevitable, and it has motivated me more than ever.
Currently, I use my mother's comment of not being intellectually curious as a daily challenge. I've started asking questions I wouldn't normally, I've been inclined to remain outside of my comfort zone, and I look to expand my knowledge in any way possible.
So, what would happen if we all individually admitted our biggest insecurities and learned to work on them everyday? Well, for me, it has been one of the most freeing experiences, and has remained one of my biggest sources of motivation. In summary, I would like to thank my mother for being my mirror and helping me to pinpoint my shortcomings. I wouldn't be the same person I am today without your absentminded comments that provoke my internal changes.
