Do not wish to be anything but what you are. Saint Francis de Sales
A unique quality of the human race is our ability to compare and contrast. There is nothing wrong with that as long as it is with a view to improve. Unfortunately, most times we end up envying others and ruing our fate; we envy their success, their riches, their popularity, their happiness not to mention their luck and good fortune. It is this tendency to selectively compare that brings about frustration, anxiety and complete blindness to our own riches. We will take our blessings for granted because the other person too has similar blessings, we discount the others limitations and pain because that does not pinch us but we crave for the others fortunes because we pine for what we do not have.
It is easy to believe that we were tricked by fate; for it is a convenient way of feeling at ease. It is much more difficult to accept that it is not easy to wear another’s crown. We see the trappings of power but never the pain of responsibility and decision making. We would not dare walk in another’s shoe for it may pinch but we don’t mind a ride on horseback if that is the exclusive prerogative of the king even if w can barely hold the reins or sit right on the horse. That we maybe throw off by the horse or by our own foolishness is never considered a remote possibility. Alas for an amateur that is a very real danger and it can then be a very painful memory.
On the other hand if we are able to simply leverage our strengths, we would realize that our potential is exceptional. If we pay attention to what we have rather than what others have, if we realize our limitations instead of pricking holes in another’s abilities we would be able to appreciate that our limitations are so miniscule. It may then dawn on us that we are better equipped as we are and that the others carry a much heavier burden that robs their sleep, their happiness and peace of mind. Fear, guilt, avariciousness, loneliness, illness, are some of the worst pains suffered by those who have material wealth but lack the personal happiness that many of us are so fortunate to have.
The best part of being what we are is that we can take full responsibility for all we do. We will never have to worry that we may have got something bad from another nor do we need to share the credit with another when we succeed.
Remember: “I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regretting not doing what my heart led me to and wondering what life had been like if I’d just been myself.” Brittany Renée
Try these:
- Jot down 2 unique strengths you posses, 2 passions that you have and 2 major weaknesses that you are aware off. Now assuming you can trade 1 weakness along with 1 strength and 1 passion and get the same replaced from just one person, name the person and the weakness, strength and passion you are willing to forego and what will you keen to acquire?
- How will you go about harnessing a hidden talent / potential/ craving/ desire that you have? E.g. Let us say you believe you can be a good writer. Outline steps that you will implement from today to check if you really have such a spark within you.
This post is courtesy www.actspot.com
You are also invited to visit our WEEKLY Inspirational and Motivational Blog www.poweract.blogspot.com
