“Sometimes I need to be reminded about my GREATNESS….”

“Sometimes I need to be reminded about my GREATNESS….”

She laughed!!! Well, can’t say I blame her. I probably would have done the same if I heard someone make this statement seemingly out of the blue. Well, so be it. I did in fact say these words two days ago…..

Flashback to the summer of 1990. I had just completed for first year of a Master’s in Economics in Boston and had come home to Madras. I had done poorly academically and the morale was low. I was discussing with my mother about suitable job options for an Economics graduate. I had heard that Citibank hired students in the US who were interested in returning to India. I disliked Economics and the thought of working in a bank was stifling. But, the traditional career opportunities for some one with this academic background seemed limited.

Maybe it was something in my tone let alone the content, but my eldest brother Sridhar who was passing by, paused. All he said was ‘You seem to have some talent in communications, why don’t you pursue that? You can always come back and get a bank job.” That was it…But in these words, I found energy surging through me. Indeed, that’s exactly what I did. I came back to Boston, worked my butt off really hard to complete my MA in Economics, applied for another Master’s degree in Communication Management across the country in LA, borrowed money from a friend to pay for the first semester’s tuition and then actually aced that program! And this one seemingly simple line said at the right time in the right manner was the catalyst!

This pattern has repeated itself I my life over and over again. Whenever I have been down, it is almost like angels have appeared and reminded me quietly about my inner greatness. Yes, I use this word intentionally. Some think that is it is too pompous. Not I. 

Through my personal journey and the wonderful people that I coach one on one, I have increasingly come to believe that within each one of us lies this greatness – a unique ability that we are each endowed with. For some child prodigies, it is apparent right from the start, for others, it reveals itself gradually and for many others, one needs to really dig deep.

Whatever the journey, one fact seems to be consistent – life takes over and we forget/or stop looking for our greatness. It is at these crucial moments that we need to be reminded about our uniqueness that makes us special – the mother lode that we can tap into in our quest to become the best version of ourselves.

Yes, I proudly proclaim my greatness and acknowledge my vulnerability. Sincere gratitude to the special ones who have indeed been the silent wind who have helped me glide when my wings were weary and gently nourished to help me soar.

Two nights ago, as my friends were being regaled about how I had made this statement, there was laughter all around. All in good spirit. After a while, one of them gently whispered to me “yes, sometimes I too need to be reminded….”