3 Truths About Success My Parents Taught Me
3 min
Growing up, my parents shared so many lessons that I didn’t always understand as a child. Back then, I couldn’t yet see the wisdom in their words. But as life unfolded, I began to see the truths they wanted me to carry with me. These truths have shaped my beliefs, values, and the way I approach the world. I’m grateful for the clarity they bring to my life. Here are three that have stuck with me:
Truth #1: Some days are harder, but you’ll always make it if you do your best.
In our house, success wasn’t measured by grades or how many times you came out on top. Instead, my parents always asked me one thing: “Did you do your best?” If I could answer yes, they were happy. For them, doing my best was what mattered most, not the outcome.
But the key lesson here was that my best could look different every day. Some days, I had more energy, focus, or support than others. Life is constantly shifting, and my parents made sure I understood that my effort would grow with me. They taught me that as long as I gave my best in that moment, it was enough. This simple question—“Did you do your best?”—kept me from falling into the trap of feeling like I wasn’t enough. It helped me embrace the journey, knowing that putting my heart into something was a win all on its own.
Truth #2: You didn’t get here by your efforts alone.
As much as I might like to say that I’ve walked into every room on my own strength, I know the truth: I didn’t get here by myself. None of us do. My parents often reminded me of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Far from their native land, they built a village for my siblings and me—a community of family, friends, teachers, colleagues, and neighbors who poured love and wisdom into us.
Because of them, I learned to stand tall and dream big. They gave me the security to grow, make mistakes, and ultimately thrive. Our village didn’t just help raise me; it shaped who I became. And as I’ve navigated my path, I’ve realized this: success isn’t something you achieve alone. It’s woven together by the people who guide, support, and inspire you. There’s no shame in asking for help or leaning on others when you need it. We rise together.
Truth #3: Play doesn’t spoil seriousness.
I’ll never forget the day my mom handed me Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I was navigating the awkward maze of puberty, and that book became our shared space for conversation. One moment that stands out was when my mom and I reenacted the famous scene where Margaret and her friend chanted, “We must, we must, we must increase our bust!” We giggled and laughed, and in that playfulness, my mom helped me embrace the changes in my body without shame.
That experience taught me that play and seriousness can coexist. Just because something is serious doesn’t mean we have to be serious all the time. Play can bring relief, spark creativity, and make even the hardest tasks more bearable. My mom showed me that balancing play with life’s more difficult moments can help you stay grounded. And as adults, we need that balance more than ever. We need joy to lighten the load.
Wherever you are in your own journey, there’s always room to reconnect, reflect, and begin again. If you’re free this Sunday (9/15), I invite you to join us for a special Fall Equinox workshop. We’ll gather for grounding movement, reflective journaling, and a soul-nourishing Persian tea ceremony in Central Park as we honor the natural cycles of the season and the cultural rituals that ground us.
Date: Sunday, September 15
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Location: Pilgrim Hill, Central Park
Here’s what one participant said about our last workshop:
“This was such a beautiful experience to take part in; thank you so much. So nourishing and transformative.” —Lily
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and step into the new season with intention and mindfulness.
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