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Writer's pictureBolaji Akinola-Alli

This little light of mine



This piece is about doing what makes you happy, it's about using your talents for what excites you. Talent is often referred to as a gift or a strength.


It is an exceptional natural ability, especially in a specific area.


Oftentimes when we think of talent, we start with music and arts, but it's more than that. Some people have really good coordination, rhythm, or are just exceptional storytellers.


And other times, we may not think that we are particularly talented at something but could have a strong interest in doing it.


But you see the key is to let it shine regardless! Show the world your talents AND interests!


And in case my family is reading this, yes this is my excuse for singing loudly to Kanye West in the shower. I sound amazing though, I think.


So here we go:

 

Find your light

Your light can be discovered through a number of ways;

- Someone telling you e.g. a friend or a mentor.

- You realising how good you are at something.

- Trying something you were initially forced to do and it turning out to be exciting.

- Unpleasant experiences which have a light at the end of the tunnel.


Here are some examples of some people who found their light:


Steve / Martial Arts One of my driving instructors, let's call him Steve, once told me about his rough upbringing. He came from a poor background and was raised by a single mum. He grew up in an environment that was toxic to say the least. Steve faced a lot of bullying and as an Irish immigrant, he was also a victim of xenophobia.

Fast forward to today, Steve is a UK regional champion in boxing and jujitsu.


With a feeling of gratitude, this is what Steve told me:

No matter how bad life may seen, you should always remember that you are a light to someone

According to him, one of his trainers said this to him which caused a shift in his mentality from that of a victim to an actor. He poured his pain into fighting and that became a way for him to escape his reality. In the end he discovered that he had a flare for martial arts with talents such as exceptional survival instincts and great body coordination.


You see, Steve realised that although his life was tough, he could serve as a source of light, an inspiration to people that have experienced similar things, or even worse. That was a moment of purpose for Steve!


Mo / Athletics

Mo Farah, who recently revealed that he was a victim of child slavery. He mentioned how running felt like his only source of freedom in a foreign land. Without giving away more spoilers, I recommend his documentary below for anyone who hasn't seen it.



Clearly these examples are unpleasant experiences to discovering talent. Most people find their light from trying out new experiences until they figure out what they are actually good out. While others might be told by friends, family or mentors from an early age.


Shine your light

Cool, now I know what my talents/interests are, why should should I show it?


It is what makes you unique!

Think of your light as part of your personality. It feels good when you show it. It makes you happy, sometimes regardless of monetary value.


Here's a quote, I really like:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. - Mathew 5:14-16

Have you ever met someone that's so good at their craft, that makes you grateful to have them in your life. They just make your life so much easier! - Shout out to my barber!


So just be yourself and let it shine!


The world needs your talents!

Yes everyone single one of them, for good of course. Please don't hack into a top security government facility.


Show your talents for the benefit of others! Imagine a world where everyone had the opportunity and courage to let their light shine.


Different context, but imagine a world with 8 billion fireflies! What an exciting place that would be!

You would not believe your eyes, If ten million fireflies Lit up the world as I fell asleep - Owl City

What are some of your talents? What are you super interested in?


 

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
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