We get on the plane.
After a week on the road for work, Mum, Hakavai and I are finally on our way home.
“Mum, where are our seats?” I ask.
“How should I know?!” Mum replies in a haughty tone.
“Um…. you’ve got the boarding passes.”
She peers down through her glasses (bought at the chemist down the road). I can tell she still can’t read what seat numbers we have.
“Here, give it to me” I say.
“No” she says huffily. As if to prove to me that she can indeed read, she makes the following announcement in her boombox supersonic circus ringmaster voice.
“Masterrrrr Hakavai Hoskin – seatttttttt 25aaaaaaaaaaa!!!”.
The other passengers jump, startled by Mum’s announcement.
We move to our seats and while I get Hakavai settled, I realise Mum has spotted a new friend in the flight attendant (not the same one that she was talking to earlier, the one she thought was Polish but was actually from Serbia).
I tune into their conversation in time to hear her playfully admonish him “I’m not from New Zealand, I’m from Tahiti!”. Her face has that focused intensity I recognise well.
“That is fascinating, Madam”. His body language, tone of voice and lack of any expression indicate that he is anything but fascinated. “Ah, so where is that?”, he displays a modicum of polite interest.
“In French Polynesia of course! Everybody should know where French Polynesia is!” (Because of COURSE everyone should know the exact location of some islands sprinkled around the Pacific Ocean ?).
“My uncle was president of Tahiti. Three times!” she exclaims with a knowing smile.
(I’m still not sure if this is factually correct as Mum seems to find an ancestral connection to almost everyone from Tahiti).
“Ahhhhhh” … he shoots me ‘Help me!’ eyes and I pretend to be busy reading. I want to see how this is going to turn out, you know?
“Yes!” she proclaims. “Us Tahitians, we’re proud of our culture!”
Then, just as I see her draw a big breath, ready to launch into her next verbal barrage, there’s an announcement over the PA and the flight attendant’s shoulders sink in relief.
“Please excuse me Madam, we’re about to take off”.
“Oh! No worries darling!” She stands to kiss him but he is already moving quickly down the aisle.
“Māuruuru Māuruuru roa!” she calls after him, quickly adding “That means Thank You in Tahitian!”.
Yes. She’s enthusiastic, my Mum. Vibrant. Warm. LOUD. Proud.
She’s taught me many things over the years, but being loud and being proud? That’s something she exudes every single day.
It’s interesting to me because I know that a lot of people have trouble being proud of who they are and what they’ve achieved. In fact, this is one of the first things I deal with in School of Champions!
So, today, I want to know:
What have you done, or are doing, that you are proud of?
Are you a good friend, do you make a great chicken curry, have you got through a difficult time, did you smash a big project at work, are you proud of your kids, are you working towards something that matters to you?
Right now, wherever you are, write a quick list of things you’re proud of.
Just pick three things – big or small. Things that you’ve done, or made happen, things that you’re awesome at!
And if you’re struggling, ask a friend or loved one to help you.
Trust me, even if you can’t see it at first, there is so much you can be proud of right now.
If you don’t believe me, just spend 30 seconds with my Mum!
Big love,
Turia x
PS – I’d love you to share one thing from your list in the comments below. We get lots of visitors here, and your small contribution might spur someone else to recognise something they’re proud of in their own life.
I am proud that last week I walked The Three Capes walk in Tasmania, 48 kms, as I am a very nearly 70 year old woman with arthritic knees. Not once did I feel I could not do it and was proud that perhaps my body is not perfect, not thin but strong and fit,
Love this Lyn! That track looks beautiful! I love Tasmania x
I am proud that I treat people I come in contact everyday with the greatest love.
I am proud that I am optimistic always.
I am proud I never gave up on love and found the man I want to grow old with
I’m proud of myself for taking a leap of faith 2 years ago and start my own on-line business. It has changed my life in many ways and I’m so glad I said yes to the opportunity.
Epic!
Thank you for inviting me to be proud. It truly is something that I skip over.
I am proud of the fact that I am staying calm as I continue to work through my current life challenge. I do feel like dropping it all and I have experienced fear. However I have passed that stage where I felt that I may fail – that I would not make it. It has passed. Thankfully and I am grateful.
The challenge is still there and it is ongoing – But i have not given up. Thank you
That is something to be very proud of. Keep going, you got this x
I’m proud of qualifying for this years Boston Marathon as a very ordinary 39-year-old school teacher and Mum of two!
Yewwwww! Go girl!
I’m proud of myself for going to Get my nursing degree it’s was 13 years ago I had 5 children at home broke up with my husband in the middle of my degree and worked 2 part time jobs ahd full time uni. It’s one of the best things I’ve done
Amazing! Love this Helen x
I’m proud of being an inspiration to others by never being a runner now having ran two marathon the Melbourne & New York.
I am proud of power walking a marathon many years ago
Proud of riding my bike from Sydney to Melbourne many years ago.
Proud of bike riding the Murry to Moyne 4 times many years ago.
I’m proud of my children. While most of the times they are lazy teenagers, but when it clubs they step up and ate responsible young men… I taught them that… and I love them with all my heart (even if they smell)
Ahhh. Auto correct!
I’m so proud of my two adult children. They are wonderful and caring parents and productive members of society. They also care about our welfare.
I’m proud of my kids, that I half enjoy cooking so my kids like my food and that I’ve been able to provide a fairly stable home for them.
I’m proud that yesterday I took a stance at work, spoke with HR and have prioritised myself. I’m 3 1/2 years out from a cancer diagnosis, I worked full time through 13 rounds of chemo….I need to take better care of myself and not have to work for the worst manager I’ve had to deal with in a 30 year career.
Im proud that I have made a career change into nursing after hating my last job. I am aged 60 and have not let age stop me from doing what I want to. Life is great when you control your life and get out of your comfort zone
I’m proud that I have been focusing on myself for the first time after going through a long and tough breakup, and that I’m pushing myself and going after my nursing degree and making sure I smash it 🙂 thank you for opening up my eyes!
Well being a single mum of a 12 yr old and 1 yr old, this week I just went back to work (in the human services sector) after having 12 months off maternity leave. I am also studying at uni, finishing my degree so this week I had 4 full days away from my baby which was tough, especially since I still breastfeed her and she is sick this week with respiratory infection (picked up from new at day care). So I’m pretty proud of myself for this. Looking forward to my day off tomorrow which I will be baking her her 1st birthday party on Saturday.
I am proud that I am good at taking care of other people! I was with clients from the company I work in for a few days, and they told me I was the best company they could have dreamt of for this business trip 😉
Wow, so proud of you too!
As a matter of fact I do make a kick butt chicken curry! Lol and, I’ve gone from barely being able to run 100 metres without feeling like my entire body will pack it in on me, to running 3.5 kilometres in a few months. I’m proud!!! ✌???
Epic! Love this Joanne.
well done to all the proud ladies on this blog.
I am proud of myself for working and studying so hard to get my dream job as a Flight Nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of WA, all whilst dealing with the challenges of having two beautiful boys with special needs.
Thanks Turia, You are one amazing Lady
Hi Turia! I just loved this story so much! I imagined the whole scenario and OMG I’d like to meet your mom so much!!! she sounds quite passionate about little things
I am proud of working, going to the University and living on my own at the same time! I did not realize how hard it was until one of my friends told me she could never work and study at the same time so here I am very happy and proud of myself. It’s difficult when you have no support, specially from your family, but there are other friends who will always be there for you and that’s what matters
Thank you for being an inspiration Turia!
Hugs and kisses from Costa Rica!
Dayana
Thank you for sharing! Keep at it xx
I am proud of being able to fulfil my husbands wish to die peacefully at home. Following a horrific diagnosis of rare and aggressive cancer he was offered Palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy to control the cancer. There were many serious hospital admissions and he was brave to the end accepting treatment until his body could no longer respond. My children and our close families all agree his final days were peaceful, joyful and full of love. His death was pain free, he did not suffer and was beautifully natural. I have a lot of comfort knowing he died well and that it while very sad it was not a traumatic experience for any of us including our precious children.
Sending stacks of love to you Kirsty. Thank you for sharing with us here xxxxx
Turia, your mum is awesome! I have just returned to Australian shores last night from another fabulous birthday adventure in parts of Eastern Europe. I love that I’m an introvert, wildly independent and stubborn. I love that I don’t mind travelling solo and thrive on experiencing new places and cultures most don’t think of. I had a giggle at how your mum described where Tahiti is. Though I was born in NZ I had fun describing to a friend while in Lithuania where Samoa is (my parents birthplace even though I still haven’t been) .
Hahah, it’s kind of hard to describe hey! Stoked you had a great trip xx
I’m proud of travelling to Bali on my own and making it work. So far I’ve had dental work done (really good actually) shopped (naturally….) and met some bloody nice people. I had doubters at home, well meaning, about would I be ok, and I’m so glad I took that leap. This inspires me to think about doing it more ? go ME ?
Awesome Rose! Once you take that leap, it becomes easier and easier to take more, right? Love it!
Hi!
I am proud of letting my brother know that my father needs him, especially now when he is undergoing prostatecancer treatment. I have always had too much respect for my brother and been afraid of what will happen if I say what I mean or feel. Things that might disturb him or makes him feel criticised. So this was the first time for me. At first he was angry but after a while he Said that he would do as much as he could. I feel proud of that I finally had the guts to stans up for my opinion in a nice way also! And my dad is very grateful and Happy too. I only hope it will last for a long while…..Love Anna from Sweden.
I’m proud that I got a great new job this year, as an Aussie living and working in the USA, it is not always easy to break into the job market as an ‘outsider’.
I am known as a “collector” of friends from all over the world ?
I’m proud to be an Ironman!
I’m proud of growing nearly 300 indigenous trees from minuscule seeds to plant on our land. Our aim was to grow a minimum of 100 but we have about 300 now each about 30cm tall already.
Proud that I stood up on a surfboard the first time I tried, and Pam Burridge was there watching, next mission to have a lesson with her!
I’m proud to be a mum, everyday I look at them and can’t believe I made them. And I’m raising them right! I’m proud I’ve been married for 16 years to a beautiful man …
Both of us coming from broken, dis functional, abusive, absent parent lives.
And we’re still functioning adults, in love, rasing humans not to be assholes! X
I am proud to be a single mom and raising an amazing young lady who’s about to be 13
I’m also proud of creating a healthier environment for her to go grow than I did.
And I am proud to be challenging the unhealthy parts of myself and becoming a better mom and woman
I am proud that I made a move away from my family to live and work on my own in another country, all so that I could learn how to be emotionally healthy and grow to my potential. I am proud that I’ve struggled with severe mental health challenges for many years and have not given up. I am proud that although it took me 7 years, I completed my baccalaureate degree and am now pursuing my master’s degree in mental health counseling, so that I can use my own experiences and challenges to help others heal and grow.
I’m proud of my children, they inspire me each and everyday. I’m proud of my husband who above all else values and puts his family first. I’m proud of the life we have and the sacrifices we made to ensure that our children have every opportunity to live their best lives♥️
Thank you Turia,
I needed this today, to find a reason to be proud. I am proud today that I have finally stopped procrastinating and finished writing a paper for my PhD. Working full-time and trying to finish a PhD (and be a good mum!) has been a constant struggle but this past week I feel like I have found the motivation I needed to move forward with it.
Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to reflect and find something to be proud of!
Megan 🙂
You are such an inspiration to so many. I love reading all the emails you send out.
What I’m most proud of is raising my 2 granddaughters to be kind, compassionate and have empathy for others. I also want them to be fearless and independent and follow their dreams. They will be 12 and 13 in July this year and I am very proud of their academic achievements as well as their creative talent They are also very good in sports so I encourage them to do their very best
I have had them since they were born.I have also raised 5 children, one of whom is their father. Being a mother the second time is easier for me as I have learnt so much from past mistakes.
I am proud and honoured to be at the Kmart conference in Queensland and listen to your story, your such a inspiration.