I debated whether to title my post The Wisdom of Obscurity or Quiet Strength, and then I settled on A Low Key Soul. I really like them all because each is a powerful reminder of the way I want to be. I grew up thinking everything was a competition. I not only wanted to do my best, but I thought I needed to be the best. I now understand the wisdom of just being. Life is so much more enjoyable when you aren't striving, grasping, clinging, and competing. There is so much to gain from being A Low-Key Soul.
For me, being low key doesn't mean being lazy and without drive. It simply means people matter most, my possessions, positions, and abilities don't determine my worth nor the worth of others. Life is not a competition and there is an abundance of everything for everyone. I don't need to toot my own horn, or clamor for credit. I can want more for others than I want for myself, and I can be gracious in all my interactions.
My son was just sharing a moment of distress where I was able to share some insights that helped him put things in perspective. He worried that maybe he had selected the wrong person for a position. I asked him why he initially selected the person for the job and he replied that he hoped it would make him feel important and part of the group. I then asked him if the things he worried about were things that really mattered in the eternal scheme of things. For instance, if the boy didn't attend the meetings was that really a big deal? If the boy didn't want to teach, was that of eternal import? We decided none of the worrisome aspects were really that worrisome after all for the paramount matter was met and that was that the lad felt loved.
And so my son left his worries behind and walked away in quiet strength. Low key souls, now that's the way to go.
For me, being low key doesn't mean being lazy and without drive. It simply means people matter most, my possessions, positions, and abilities don't determine my worth nor the worth of others. Life is not a competition and there is an abundance of everything for everyone. I don't need to toot my own horn, or clamor for credit. I can want more for others than I want for myself, and I can be gracious in all my interactions.
My son was just sharing a moment of distress where I was able to share some insights that helped him put things in perspective. He worried that maybe he had selected the wrong person for a position. I asked him why he initially selected the person for the job and he replied that he hoped it would make him feel important and part of the group. I then asked him if the things he worried about were things that really mattered in the eternal scheme of things. For instance, if the boy didn't attend the meetings was that really a big deal? If the boy didn't want to teach, was that of eternal import? We decided none of the worrisome aspects were really that worrisome after all for the paramount matter was met and that was that the lad felt loved.
And so my son left his worries behind and walked away in quiet strength. Low key souls, now that's the way to go.
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