“Use what talent you possess. The world would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang loudest.” ~ Henry Van Dyke
Much of the last decade, I went through a dark night of the soul. I felt like a failure.
Yep…
I replayed these desperate thoughts: “I’m getting older, it’s the beginning of the 21st century, time is running out for me. By this age…
- I should have advanced degrees…even though I don’t want them
- I should have a mansion on a hill…even though I don’t want one
- I should be taking exotic vacations…even though I don’t care to
- I should have parlayed my talent into millions of dollars into our bank account…and I haven’t succeeded (even though I’ve tried)
- I should have letters behind my name, a corner office on some 10th floor, plaques on the wall that cite awards from CNBC, Entrepreneur Magazine, the Governor, the President, the Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey…and I don’t really care that I don’t have
Shame. On. Me.
Wanna know what brought on these recriminations? I have one major talent, a talent I’ve known about most of my life, a talent that when I allow its expression, brings me immense satisfaction, peace, and joy.
But much of our culture thinks my talent is…worthless, because my talent isn’t razzle/dazzle. It can’t be bottled, packaged, marketed, hung on the wall, and sold to the highest bidder.
So I was stuck in this loop of thinking, “Since our culture views my talent worthless, I need to give it up, concentrate on cultivating another talent, one the world will value. To do any less is to be a failure.”
Yesterday, while having lunch with Dara Moore Beevas, I was reminded of my talent, how much I love expressing it. As I listened to beautiful, brilliant, young Dara speak of her longings, her joys, her frustrations, her satisfactions, my mind drifted back to that night 4 years ago, and the event that ended my self-shaming…
I know of at least 5 major talents you have and I am just beginning to learn all that you are!
Incredible! …that’s a word that doesn’t begin to cover all that you are!
xo
S
Gail, you are an inspiration to all of us reaching “that age” where, especially for women, being “invisible” is apparently the norm. But maybe that “invisibility” is more widely suffered by everyone, and rooted, as you suggest, in our not cherishing those talents that aren’t immediately obvious or valued by most of the media-infested world. Some of these talents make us, for example, more truly loving, compassionate, empathic and global in our thinking….
Time to get visible!!!
Thank you!!
Awww, Annie. Thanks my dear,sweet friend. You’re the best, hon!
I have the utmost pleasure of being in your life for the past 32 years. You are one of the most insightful, caring, inspirational and loving individual I know. For example, when I was writing my memoir, Manhood From the Hood, it was you who supported me emotionally. You remember the many times I wanted to walk away from the whole ordeal? Without you there would not be a book.
You inspired me to continue and complete the book. One of you major talents is INSPIRATIONAL in nature. When a person is in your presence they can’t help but to be inspired. Being in your presence inspires others to look within themselves so that they can see the beauty in themselves. You awaken their spirit! Love to be on this journey with you!!
Your loving husband, Bill R
You are so loving! Thanks for all you do loving me and letting me be me!!!
Your talents have helped build me into the Man that I am today. Personally I believe that your talents are Razzle/Dazzle, whomever don’t recognize that has to be out of touch with reality!
Thank You
Thank you dear heart. you’ve made my day!