I made a boo-boo last week. I did something that, in retrospect, I shouldn't have. I will not divulge the incident that occurred to me but I will simply say this: if there's ever something that you have to say that may incriminate or expose someone or something, it's best to keep your mouth shut. Better to think it, than to express it in words. Better to step away from the computer to avoid writing something online that may be 'off-putting' to someone else, than to dig yourself a hole you can't get out of.
Now that a few days have passed since I've had time to mull over my error and breathe again, I feel so much better. Now that spring has finally shown its face, I'm in really good spirits. My energy is high. And I want to share a thought that's been running through my mind, lately.
While listening to the radio the other day, I heard the DJ on one of my favourite stations say that, 'everyone has a talent, a strength, something that they're really good at'. And while listening to that sentence, I became instantly aware that not only do I have a talent, but I have a strength AND something that I'm really good at. I believe I was born to be leader. I believe that because I am born under the sign of the bull, that I am resilient, loyal, stubborn and persistent. Since the tender age of 10, I've been really good at physical fitness and that has carried me into a career that I thrive in and adore. How lucky I am to be able to recognize that I have many areas in which I truly excel.
Which leads me to the people who live among us that don't consider themselves as lucky, as fortunate or as talented. And knowing that there are folks who walk among us at home, at work, at the gym, at social events that carry this burden, is a little sad. EVERYONE has something they're good at. I believe that, firmly.
What makes me better than anyone else? I am unique in my approach to life, but really, I'm just like you. Yes, you reading this. I'm human with a beating heart, with blood coarsing through my veins and a brain that never shuts off. The approach to life is what makes us or breaks us. If all someone does is walk around with a cloud over his/her head, isn't it safe to assume that he/she has diminished self-worth and a less-than-enthusiastic outlook on life? I have always said that getting a little sunshine and fresh air on a daily basis, is a great cure for what ails you. Get as much exposure as you can. Wear sunscreen. Walk often. Actually stop to smell the roses.
What makes *you* special? Everything. The way you talk, eat, sleep, interact, move, it's all amazing. But hey, I'm not the one who's supposed to fill you with sunshine. That's your job. You have to come to grips with the idea that you can't be good at everything. You have to take direction, sometimes. You have to be the submissive one. To be constantly domineering, arrogant, tough, magnanimous and full of yourself, is not cool. It's better to be humble than haughty.
And so, my readers, I urge you to halt any negative thoughts about yourself, your strengths, your talents. Swallow this pill: you do have a talent, you do have strength, you do have something you're good at. Don't believe it? Why, because you haven't been reassured by someone else, lately? Do you need convincing? Are you the type of person who needs constant feedback? Well, there's nothing wrong with that at all. But eventually, you have to be your own motivator and cheerleader. Don't always rely on others to bring you into the light and put you on a pedestal. Lift yourself up and rise into the person you already are. Faults and all.
So, what are you really afraid of?
The answer should be: nothing. Don't be afraid to fail. Just be afraid of never having made a concerted effort to be the best version of yourself.
