potential

(This post is a result of conversations I have had recently and maybe a lack of sleep

but I strive for honesty and rejoice in moments of personal revelation.)

What is your potential?

How do you measure one's potential?

IQ tests?

Assessment or aptitude tests?

Is there a scale or 

gauge one can use?

Hardly.

Potential is not something that can be 

measured...it simply 

exists in each one of us.

What image comes to mind when 

you think of 

potential?

A baby about to take her

first step?

 A student upon graduation?

A young couple exchanging vows?

Is there a timeline on one's potential?

Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first 

book at 64.

Grandma Moses began painting at 76.

Rachel Carson published Silent Spring at 55.

Julia Child was 49 when her first 

cookbook was published.

Greatness

can occur any time

at any age.

Personal moments of greatness

can take an all too familiar shape 

and get overlooked.

In the midst of a disagreement with

your spouse you stop

to really listen...to

understand.

When a child misbehaves

you give her a hug

and

calm reasoning

rather than

yell.

Preparing a nourishing meal

for those you

love.

Helping a stranger in need.

If you get stuck in the

mind set that 

takes a 

"better now or never"

"the clock is ticking" stand...

you have successfully 

placed limitations upon

yourself.

Worse.

If you believe that

then you have

also inadvertently put restrictions

on others and may be

missing out on all they have to 

offer.

Reaching your full potential...
your definition of greatness...
in every aspect of life

is something to strive for

until your last breath.

Our society often looks to the

young for innovation

and out-of-the-box

thinking.

Thomas Edison applied for his last patent

at age 83.

We look to the young

in matters of physical

prowess.

Fauja Singh retires from marathon running

at age 103.

I ask you...

is your clock ticking?

Is your time to shine

coming to a close?

Potential 

resides within you.

Your potential for greatness

never diminishes.

So breathe.

Seriously...

right now.

Take a deep inhale

and a slow exhale

and feel the 

peace.

Because no matter how old you get

you will always be

a child.