Being Exceptional

Refuse to be basic. You should shine in at least one aspect of your life. That’s true but how do we measure exceptionalism? How good should you be for you to be exceptional? Should you be award winning?…published? …or recognized by many? Many a times,  a person’s extraordinary characteristics are appreciated way too late. We lost our neighbour 2 weeks back… a jovial, warm-hearted man who provided nothing but the best for his family. But, did he know how great he was? Did he rest with the knowledge of how people appreciated his being and what a pleasure it was to have known him?

Right now, count the number of people you know personally who are amazing at what they do? Are they famous? Probably not. Its mostly your friends and family right? Your big sister with her business, your besty with raising her son, your uncle with his husband role, your grandma with her advice or the lady at work or church with her diligence. They do what they do to the best of their ability and to me that makes them champions. I kid you not there is a vendor who has made a living out of selling little snacks by the corner. He is there early in the morning and retires late in the evening. Mkandla (the vendor) is a resilient, hardworking businessman who has provided for his family without begging and borrowing. Exceptional!!!

Unfortunately funerals are a place where we celebrate true exceptionalism, exceptionalism that counts. We should not wait that long. Let us appreciate how extra good we have done as human beings. Most of us live unfulfilled lives because we feel like we are mediocre or we are just not unappreciated. This world is the hardest planet, I believe, to excel in and we stay putting our best foot forward.

Exceptionalism is not only present when displayed and appreciated publicly on a certain  magnitude. Its the little things…it has always been the little things that count. Make someone’s day, possibly life, and tell them how exceptional you think they are for just being the best version of themselves!