So this week, I was going to introduce my Lovers & Friends Relationship Series in homage to the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, beginning with a piece on #Sidechicks. However, after seeing the video of comedian and daytime talk show host Steve Harvey speaking on the issue of “jumping,” I detoured. For those who are awaiting the piece on #Sidechicks, stay tuned next week (working title: You Might Be A Sidechick If…) when I promise to inform, entertain and delight (unless of course you discover upon reading that you are the sidechick). #ToBeContinued
Returning back to my original point however, Steve Harvey in this uplifting video that has now gone viral is seen speaking to his audience about the importance of taking risks in order to fulfill your dreams. Using the metaphor of a parachute, Steve illustrates three key points that I found myself writing down as if I were taking notes from a Sunday morning sermon. Adding to this feeling, an overzealous lady in the audience echoing "Yes" in the background like any Black "mother" in the front pew, along with rounds of applause.
Point # 1 - Identify Your Gift
Steve suggests that in order to use your gift, you must first recognize what it is. Perhaps like many others, I struggled with what my gift was. For the longest time, I wished that I was as talented as Beyoncé or some other pop star. I wondered if I'd be more successful or marketable if I looked like any one of the Kardashians or some of the girls on YouTube. I thought to myself, "If only I could sing or dance or do makeup." You see, I never realized what the word "gift" encompassed.
"Your talent is a gift from God. What you do with it is your gift back to God" - Leo Buscaglia
For me, I thought a talent had to be something that was synonymous with performing, such as acting, singing or playing sports. I was also under the impression that you were limited to only one gift. In the search for my gift, I couldn't decide. I'm good at a lot of different things. But for me, the single most thing that I'm confident in is writing. Now this talent is not one that is too often envied, as compared to say, dancing. And one may not see the glamour in this gift. And neither do I, but I see the beauty in it.
Point # 2 - Live In Your Gift
As Steve mentioned in the clip, everybody's gifts are different. Personally, I don't think that God intended for all of us to be famous or to even to be rich. Some of us will never acquire the notoriety that we desire and that's okay. Your gift may not be intended to win you an award or capture the attention of a nation. Your destiny may be to live on your street and encourage your next door neighbor. Or to go to church every Sunday and sing your heart out in the choir. Or to volunteer your time at a non-profit organization and gain friendships that last a lifetime. Or simply to gain 10,000 followers on social media by taking awesome selfies. See the thing is, the gift that you have to offer can only be given by you, so live in it. By living in your gift, you are living in your truth. And you can quote me on that.
Point # 3- The Only Way Your Parachute Will Open (and Work Properly) Is If You Jump
The parachute analogy that Steve uses was very profound, although I have a slightly different perspective to add to his point. In contrast to Steve's view, I believe that for some people who jump, the parachute does open on the first attempt. I'd offer an example of this as someone who goes to a casting call and lands a gig on the first audition, or gets discovered by chance (via social media, American Idol, etc.). This is a rarity, but it has happened. Additionally, the only way a parachute can properly function is by taking a leap. If you're standing on level ground and inflate the chute, it does no good. Taking a leap of faith will yield one of two consequences: 1. You'll live from the impact of the fall. Or, 2. You'll die as a result of it. Those are the only two options. The choice is yours.
#TheRealBlackCarrieBradshaw
