Ability

I remember sitting at an art festival one summer a few years back. It was hot and very, very humid. I was tired from the exertion of hauling a literal ton of work out to a festival site, setting up a tent and shelving, and placing each and every piece of pottery a few times to make the display look good. That year was the first year I really noticed. It was the first show in which I sold no work. It was the first show in which no people entered my tent. It was the first show in which I was greeted politely from the walkway and then passed. It was the first show in which I was visibly exhausted. I was wearing supplemental oxygen.

I need the help now and again – no big deal. I have sewn a few cute backpack carriers for my portable concentrator. It is truly interesting how a clear tube impacts other’s perception of my strength.

Be assured, you may pass by and give me a look saying you feel sorry for my “situation,” but there is very little that I cannot do.

I challenge myself all the time, so I may as well challenge all of you. Are you sure you know what strength is? Are you strong? How can people see your strengths?

Tell them – every day in every way. Strength often doesn’t appear evident. The world of today demands us to be our best.

Whether or Not

Perception hides behind eyes, but forgetful laziness relies entirely on pupils wide. We look to see and don’t endeavor understanding complete. Dear assumptions, you need more information to warrant dismissal. Allow me to be clear, and show you what is complete…whether or not you bother to know.

She is breathless, yes, at times.  She savors the air and its purity.  She collects each molecule for when she must unleash her own restless turbulence.  When she is still and quiet, she is never empty.  Her storm is gathering momentum within. You see weakness, and it is then that she is strongest…whether or not you care to know.

She is tired, yes, always. She carries and hurries in ways invisible. Inside, she knows details of every journey not yet worn by the feet of ideas conventional. She has walked gingerly mapping traps and treasures. The adventures she writes have no rest…whether or not you turn the page to read.

She is not weak, hell no, never. She has muscles with endurance unimagined. The strength is potential we all own but rarely train with relentlessness. Before you think to dismiss her, look to see how your training has prepared you for the competition. She is colossal, and she knows you can be also…whether or not you have been tested.

She is not small, and neither are you…whether or not true power is evident.

She is not needy, and neither are you…whether or not reliance on others is required.

She is not to be disqualified, and neither are you…whether or not all the tools are sharpened for the task ahead.

She can do anything, and so can you…whether or not steps are taken to be extraordinary. 

Whether or not you realize…both you and she will always be more than others see.