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I've
met so few people who don't impress me at all that it's almost
scary. Everyone impresses me in certain ways.
Somehow we grow up thinking that only those people who do
extraordinary things and who have received public recognition
are impressive, but I know that in my life, that's far from
true. In fact, I've reached a point at which the people in
the public eye
don't impress me too much--the only difference between them and
others is that someone else has put them in the public eye.
And many of them need to be there, and wouldn't be happy if
they weren't.
But I've found a
great deal to be impressed about in nearly everyone I've
met. I've met people who do nothing spectacular, but who
have lived through tremendous adversity and still have a smile
to share with others. I know people who share their
talents with kids and groups and consistently turn out quality
products, often for no pay or reimbursement. I know
people who always have a kind word for others, and who treat
others with dignity and respect. I admire the people who
see the best in others and try to pull that best out and let it
shine--it usually takes me a very long time to see a person's
potential, the possibilities that a person has.
But as I grow more
adept at recognizing the beauty and talent that others have
inside themselves, my life brightens.
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I see the world and
the people with me very differently, and I'm able to focus on
encouraging others, possibly even helping them to feel better
about themselves. And I'm able to look at myself in a much
more tolerant and accepting way--I see my own potential, and I
give myself credit for the abilities I have.
And what's my
point? It can best be seen by asking yourself a couple of
questions: Who are you? What gifts do you have to
give to the world? To whom can you give these gifts?
I know that there
are many impressive qualities in you. Some people let them
out, others don't. But we're all created with our own
unique gifts, and though most of us aren't the "most
gifted" at anything we do, we still have a great deal to
offer others. Imagine what an orchestra would sound like
if the first violinist or first cellist were the only ones
playing, if those who were seated in the chairs behind them
didn't play because they didn't feel they had anything to offer
because they weren't the best. The music would be thin,
weak, and diminished. What aren't you giving to the world
because you're not the best at it, or because someone you know
is much better at it than you?
Sometimes, when
I'm feeling tired and a bit down, I remind myself that even if
the only gift I give to the world today is a bit of
encouragement to someone else, that's enough. I have other
gifts to share, and I try my best to share them. One thing
I'm sure of is this: even if my gifts are rejected, the
important thing is that they were offered in the first place.
Your gifts are
impressive. Use them, develop them, and let people see
just how impressive you can be. Don't expect anyone to
recognize it or tell you that they notice it--be an impressive
person for the sake of making yourself an impressive person and
of making your life brighter. You're worth it. And
we'll appreciate it.
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