What’s Next?

I am not sure why I am thinking about comic book fist fights at this particular moment, but I see and hear impacts like this all around me these days.  So many people are getting a striking blow to the gut or a knockout punch across the jaw with job losses, illnesses, lockdowns and more.

This all reminds me of the quote by Rocky Balboa in the movie – “It ain’t about how hard you can hit.  It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”  This is a difficult but important perspective to remember as we are all getting knocked over right now, contemplating the next move.   As we dust off and get ready to stand back up, consider these examples of others who have had significant struggles, but ended up finding a true calling:

J.K. Rowling was a recently divorced single Mom on welfare in her twenties when she wrote down a story that came to her as she was sitting on a long delayed train.  Those first basic steps of writing down a few words led to more words and ultimately took shape as the great and successful Harry Potter books, films and more!

Vincent Van Gogh had difficulty succeeding in school and in every profession he tried to master, despite a strong intellect and powerful work ethic.  It was not until he stumbled on a special type of oil paint and used it in a windstorm when his brush strokes flowed freely and his true artistic genius was unleashed.

And finally, even Dr. June Almeida, who discovered the first coronavirus 55 years ago, started as a bright but poor Scottish girl in a family that could not afford to keep her in school.  She took a menial job in a lab that led to another, then another, following her microscope talents to Canada and the UK, unlocking and documenting all types of breakthroughs in the study and control of various viruses.  Her work is being used heavily right now.

So, in this time when I see so many dedicated, hard working people get knocked down, I can only wonder how many writers, artists or discoverers are out there that were on an alternate path, and were not able or did not know how to let their true talents come to the light and benefit of all.

In closing, consider these words by Mike Tyson – “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”  What is your special, hidden passion or talent that might be set loose in these times, and help you to become the champion you were meant to be?  Maybe you already know, but maybe you do not yet see it.  I would welcome the chance to talk about it with you!