“It has been my observation that the happiest of people, the vibrant doers of the world, are almost always those who are using—who are putting into play, calling upon, depending upon—the greatest number of their God-given talents and capabilities.”—John Glenn
With the recent passing of astronaut, John Glenn, it seemed appropriate to look to him for some inspiration to direct today’s post. This one struck a chord. After all, we are happiest when we are doing what we love and love what we are doing.
It is unfortunate when one finds him/herself struggling to get through the workday. It is disheartening to see people’s gifts go wasted because they are trapped in a mundane job they despise. Everyone has gifts. Everyone is uniquely talented. Sadly, few realize this. Most think that they are rather ordinary. And, of course, when we believe ourselves to be ordinary, we don’t dare do anything but the ordinary.
John Glenn’s life is a one-of-a-kind, but so is your life and mine. The “first to orbit the earth” already belong’s to Glenn, and, of course, most of us won’t be a part of the space program, but there are countless “firsts” yet to be. Dare to dream.
You have talents and capabilities. To what extent are you using them? If you are not, what is holding you back?
Your life might be ordinary by comparison to the likes of John Glenn, but you aren’t John Glenn—nor should you want to be. Still, you can be (extra)ordinary. Discover your unique gifts and use them.
If we don’t use our God-given talents and capabilities, we are cheating ourselves and others. Everyone is gifted for his/her specific purpose in the world. Maybe you can’t just quit your job and pursue your passions (at least immediately), but you can use your talents. Why not use your gifts? Maybe your job doesn’t require all you gifts, but use them where you can. You must. Be the full expression of yourself. The world deserves it.
Carpe momento!
“A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.”—Larry Bird