Why Finding Your Genius May Be Easier Than You Think
Last weekend I was visiting family in Ithaca, NY. Located in upstate New York, a small town is home to Cornell University, sailing, waterfalls, and one of the best farmer’s market I’ve ever been to.
At one point, my family and I were going through old treasures my 90-year-old grandmother, Mary Salerno, had tucked away for decades in her attic.
We discovered photos, art work, and journals, some as old as from the 1930s.
It was a special moment to share with my family.
I especially came to know my grandmother deeper than ever before.
A particular moment struck me to my core when I stumbled onto this drawing from October 1940.
My grandmother was only 16 years old when she drew this.
I’ve known her as a very Italian, very loving, but very stubborn grandmother who is set in her ways.
Also, I’ve known her as a very talented artist.
However, she’s always discounted her abilities as, “Oh this is nothing. It’s just a hobby.”
As you can see, she is no run of the mill “hobbyist”!
I wanted to share this with you because so many people miss out on what makes them extraordinary.
I love to work hard, build my skills, and accomplish something I previously couldn’t.
But, I have also come to value when something comes so easily I don’t even notice.
Your genius is something you can do without much thought.
Your genius is something you wake up doing because you have to.
Your genius is something you may not even realize you do.
Your genius is something you may pass off as “too easy” to be of value.
Your genius is the part that weaves all of you together.
Your genius is the part that fills each and every breath.
My genius is spotting someone else’s genius.
What’s yours? Share in the comments below!
My Genius is seeing the depth of people beauty and strength and having the guts to reflect it back to them!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Samar! It’s one thing to witness, and another to reflect what you see. Love how you have both. Kudos to courage!
My Genius is coming up with alternate phrases to better use the English language for my intentions. (Example: boy creature or boy fellow instead of boyfriend)
My Genius is projecting a open-minded, accepting ear so that friends and new acquaintances alike find it easy to confide in me.
Ooo! The alternate phrases are really intriguing. I don’t think I’ve ever quite heard something explained like that… Which is very representative of your genius! Paired with creating a safe space for people sounds like a fascinating combo!
One of the best posts I’ve ever read to describe someone’s genius, or gift! It’s like you found words that were at the tip of my tongue!
My genius is to sense what people’s deepest dreams are and to see them so clearly, that in my presence, they can’t help but believe that they are possible.
Wowzer!! Thank you for such a generous comment + sharing your beautiful genius! Cheers to dreaming boldly :)
Great post! My genius is seeing the awesome, quirky kid inside the socially outcast kid, identifying their strengths and challenges and teaching them how to fit in without giving up their true self.
Goodness gracious great balls of genius! Love it, Janet!
My genius is inspiring people to take action in connecting with themselves, and the world around them.
I’m lucky to have proximity to YOUR genius, girl…. Great piece, and your grandmother is AMAZING!!!! xoxoxo -kc
Yes!!! You’re like the meditation energizer bunny fairy. And, thank you! Honored to have our worlds connected!!
When you’re red in the rainbow you can’t see red.
Beautiful. Love this visual, Carla!
My genius is helping to clear the blocks to your confidence so you can show up as your boldest, sassiest and most brilliant self.
Sahweet! Go get em’ girl!
What a gorgeous treasure to find.
Thanks, Beth! I’m so happy to be able to share it with so many people.
My genius is supporting other women who are so overwhelmed with life that they can’t see their next step.
[…] few of which being: one of my blog posts going viral, writing my top 10 dream list of people to feature and then 2 weeks later featuring one […]
My genius is connecting disparate ideas together into a new whole.