One core value I have placed on myself that I have learnt the act of mastery on is the value that deals with contentment being satisfied with what is at hand at the moment. Not being oppressed by what other people achieve, being calm and focused on what I know is right.
Image credit Gemini Ai
I learnt this act from my mum. “If you can't work your way through it then it shouldn't be a problem." Her words will always come fresh in my memory. She deliberately taught us to be satisfied while we work hard to get what we want, even amidst abundance she still gives very little.
I could remember in my college days she would deliberately get things that would not be enough. All she expects from you is to master the act of managing resources and to ask whenever you run out of things.
She questions you when you stay longer than you are expected to stay without asking, you better don't steal, you better don't take your request outside the house and you shouldn't run out of resources. Lol.
All these might sound funny but that act has kept our relationship stronger.
Back then I use to have just a pair of school uniform, sandal and house wear as it was a boarding house, making these things available in single pairs made me take good care of each of them without having to beg things from other people making good use of mine with the impression to others that I have more than enough to ask from anyone.
I was shocked when one of my school mate told me he loves how Manage my things even though they are not of good quality and I never go out of my way to impress anyone by asking from them that have higher grade of these things.
My white uniform was sewn from a satin material bought from the market while they have theirs an already made white bought from the boutique “packet shirt" as we will call it then. My trousers were equally sewn with materials bought from the market while theirs are chinos. Giving them a higher class but my sense of clothes never kept me in the lower class. I still step up my game with mine not giving in to any kind of suppression from anyone.
I could remember then, my dad was better than most of my friends' dad financially but my mum still chose to treat us the way she did. I used to see her as a wicked mum but I now so much appreciate her act as I grow into an adult being able to keep to myself in whatever situation I find myself with no one to oppress me with what they have.