Success is when you stay true to what is important to you.

She missed the call. Her fingers trembled as she dialed back the caller.

She had prepared herself for disappointment, managed her own expectation and protecting her heart.

But she was totally not prepared to hear, “Congratulations on your promotion! I am so pleased to be the person to tell you the great news. Very well deserved and we are lucky to have you.”

She collapsed on the floor.

This promotion, it was special.

On graduation, she was told not to pursue her career in this country. It would discriminate her. She did it anyway for the love of her life.

A few years into her career, she was told not to have children early. Have them when she gets to the top. No women with young kids around her got to the top. She did it anyway for she love children.

When she had kids, she was told not to work part-time. She would be put on the mummy track and her career will be over. She did it anyway for she did not want to miss out on the children’s life.

Many sped ahead of her. Juniors overtook her.

She kept to her path. It was slow and at times painful. But like a tortoise she took one step at a time and not be perturbed by the racing rabbits.

And like the tortoise, she got to the finishing line by staying true to what is important to her. And that to her is success.