The Patty project

She came up with ideas, wrote programs, submitted funding applications and then guided teams to implement the projects.

This version of Patty was good at what she did, and she was aware of how good she was but would often downplay the extent of the process, the skills needed and the effort she made.

Only once did she get up on stage to accept the awards and the trophies; instead, she encouraged others to receive them because it would boost their morale and act as a motivator and source of encouragement (for them).

She did what needed to be done with little to no formal program writing or funding grant training because she had a passion and was driven, and she was good at it.

After a while, she felt silenced, so eventually, she became quiet; the flame lessened, but the fire was still burning, so she maintained it burning but quietly.

She asked for this photo because one wasn’t offered; the trophy held was for another successful program, and no, she didn’t get up on stage.

Imagine the thought process and the feelings that came with that.

This past version of Patty asked for the photo because she knew that one day, what it represented would serve as a reminder.

This past version of Patty had an idea of her worth yet allowed herself to take the backseat too often.

Taking the backseat was a ‘tool’ she used, a diversion tactic so that focus wasn’t directed at her.

This Patty wanted to achieve; she liked the satisfying feeling of accomplishment but didn’t want to stand out; focus would mean too many eyes on her, and that’s the last thing she wanted when she didn’t like looking at herself.

She was pretty intelligent and talented in various ways, yet her internal dialogue and lack of self-worth inhibited her personal growth.

This Patty got in the way of herself, which demonstrated and allowed others to do the same.