How I Discovered My Brilliance, Part 1
Invitation:
Discovering brilliance is a voyage we all have the privilege of. It is often stumbled over. With all our fruitless efforts to find our life’s purpose, it find us. As you read my 2 part discovery story, think about your story:
When was the first time you knew you found your brilliance?
How did it happen, and how did it feel when it happen?
How did it change you and your life?
How are you sharing your brilliance now?
Lets start a conversation…Please feel free to comment below in “Responses”. I would love to hear your stories…
Discovery:
Let’s start from the beginning… As a child I was very shy and quiet. I tried to be unseen. The only place I felt comfortable to be myself was at home. So, when I suddenly decided to audition for the sixth grade play everyone was shocked. However, no one was more shocked than I was. See before the audition I was determined to be a fashion designer. I even asked for a sewing machine for Christmas in the second grade, and began designing and sewing clothes for my dolls. But something happened in my classroom that afternoon that changed my life forever.
A week before, my teacher announced that we were going to have auditions for the sixth grade play. As I mentioned, I was shy… quiet, and extremely well behaved in school (not so much at home though, haha!). I thought “There is no way. I am not doing that!” So, I filed the information in the back of my head. On the day of the audition my teacher reminded the class that today was the day, and auditions would be held after Physical Education class. We ran a mile in PE that day. That gave me lots of time to think, and imagine what I would do. I came up with a plan that was really easy and fun, and showed a little bit of my hidden personality. I decided that I was going to go for it. I hoped that everyone would laugh, and that I would not embarrass myself.
Back in the classroom, it was my turn. I stood up in front of the class and waited until I had everyone’s attention. I took a deep breath. “I think I should have a part in this play because I can be funny.” Then I did a belly laugh, and buckled over in hysterics. “I can be dramatic.” Saying these words I balled up my two fists as I pretended to have a big cry. “I can be surprised and scared.” Then I made a shocked face, jumped back and pointed to an imaginary mouse. “The End”. I sat down quickly.
The room was silent… then the class erupted. No one expected that from me, including me! Here is the thing… It was so much fun! I came to life. Their response meant that they enjoyed it as much as I did. The best part was the connection; sharing myself and that moment with them. I knew I was no actor, but I wanted to stand in front of an audience and speak. That experience changed my future, and began my struggle.
In high school… I discovered I also had this unusual skill of getting people to open up to me. For some reason people like telling me deep personal things. I would encourage them or share my thoughts on how they could overcome their challenges, and live a more fulfilling life. This skill facilitated countless connection moments. What is a Connection Moment?
Connection Moment: The Gold in relating with others. The exchange of soul-seeing, and being seen. The best part of sharing humanity.
To Be Continued(next week)…
