“Small Potatoes” Or Something More?
Read more articles on Life's Nuances and Let Me Share With You.January 11, 2008
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
January 11, 2008
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
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Well, dear readers, today’s topic is something I’ve been thinking about for awhile. And, since my personal editorial title here is “Let me share with you”, I’ll do just that.
First, I’ve no idea if folks from other places in the world use this phrase, so if you aren’t familiar with it, I’ll explain. “Small potatoes” is a term that is used to describe anything that’s relatively minor in the big picture of its context. For example, winning a local talent contest is “small potatoes” compared to winning a national singing competition.
It’s not a phrase one hears often, but perhaps it’s because it carries a negative connotation. On the other hand, it may keep things “real’, as they say.
For some odd reason, this wording has popped up twice in the last few years when it comes to how I’m spending my life. The really funny thing is that my life tasted just fine to me at the time.
I’ll elaborate: Some time ago, I had the chance to perform my ballet choreography with several of my adult students. It was just a small, local production, but it wasn’t your typical recital piece, and it had been a long time in coming. I never thought I’d actually be able to live this particular dream, especially at a time in life when most dancers were retiring. I was very proud of my efforts and the work my dancers had done. I know that many people think that amateur ballet is akin to amateur surgery-there should be no such thing-but I was hoping that fellow dance-teachers would share my excitement. When I sensed ambivalence by a friend (who happened to have once been a professional dancer), the words just flew out, “I know that what I’m doing must seem like small potatoes to you, but it’s all I have and all I’ll ever have.” In this instance, what I thought was her small potato was my large, baked one with all the toppings. She may have had New York at 22, but I had Pittsburgh after a mid-life career change. It balanced out in my mind.
Lately, my husband has been suggesting I look for a “real” job. I guess he thinks my articles write themselves while I eat bon-bons in front of the TV. When I show him that my client list is increasing and I’m making more money, he actually referred to it as “small potatoes” and wondered aloud why I don’t write for more money. (Oh! That never crossed my mind; I’ll put it on my to-do list for next week.)
This all got me to thinking that the term is really stupid-not in its odd vernacular (What do potatoes have to do with anything other side dishes anyway?) but in its implication.
Everyone proceeds through life on his or her own schedule and takes the path that they are meant to follow. No one can ever know the difficulties an individual may face in trying to achieve their goals. Not only that, rarely can a person reach their goal on the first try; achievement usually comes in baby steps. So, at any point, people can be found at various points along their individual road, which does not mean that where they happen to be is of less value. It may be considered less important by others, but so what?
If you ever happen to feel that what you’re doing right now is looked at as “small potatoes” by others, take heart. If it’s something you want and have been working toward, it makes no difference. You’re getting to where you need to be, and, in all likelihood, continuing to grow. Have pride that you’ve gotten as far as you have. Put ketchup and salt on those ‘taters, dig in, and enjoy!
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