We often think we are ordinary people living ordinary lives in an ordinary world. We live in a place we have made our home, get up every day and follow the routine that many around us do. Most of us do not create something astounding or win the Nobel Peace prize. Instead we live our day to day lives following paths we have chosen or fallen into.
An yet we are not ordinary.
Each of us have inside of us something that makes us unique, something that makes us the person that we are. It may be the ability to make people laugh; or help someone in their time of need. It may be the ability to see the problem clearly and objectively; or the tenderness shown in caring for the sick. It may be the ability to create sense from a group of figures; or raise many children with loving care. Whatever our talent is, it is that which draws people to us and makes us stand out, in a moment of time, in front of a group.
No, we are not ordinary. Even though we live lives that many would describe as ordinary.
What are the traits that make you unique?
(This post was inspired by the Five Minute Friday prompt: Ordinary)
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2013
Beautiful! I could not agree more. I’m your neighbor at FMF. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thank you. Hope you have a wonderful weekend too 🙂
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Wonderfully expressed… How strange in ordinary running life we are all different…. “with no special or distinctive features; normal.” or “what is commonplace or standard.”…. according to the dictionary… some quotes about ordinary, ““Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary.”
― Oscar Wilde, “You can find something truly important in an ordinary minute.”
― Mitch Albom, For One More Day, ….
Thank you dear Colline, have a nice day and weekend, love, nia
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Love the quote from Oscar Wilde Nia. Just goes to show that something ordinary can become more than just ordinary – it has the potential to become extra-ordinary.
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Lovely post as usual Colline and I wish I knew the answer to that question. 😀
Thanks for sharing hon. 😀 *big hugs*
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Sometimes, Sonel, I have to remind myself that I am more than just a person like every other – and that I do not have to be well-known or even a genius to be extra-ordinary.
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You certainly are Colline. To me you are a very special lady and extra-ordinary for sure. 😀 *hugs*
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Thank you Sonel 🙂
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Rather than describe the traits that make me unique, I’d rather describe the traits that make you unique, Colline.
Colline’s excellent traits: good listener, caring, hopeful, honest, upbeat, amazing teacher, ability to lead a group of children so well that she makes it look effortless (not my trait- could do it, but with much effort!), ability to gain children’s trust and attention with strong leadership, a caring heart, and a genuine interest in the advancement, well-doing and well-being of children, caring and giving mother, amazing friend, devoted wife, calm and steady, peaceful, grateful and full of life!!!
Colline’s list of poor traits: none
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Thank you Darlene. It is good for me to read this (even though I was blushing near the end 🙂 ). This is all I could hope to be as I truly believe that each of has have within ourselves the ability to help others and make the world a better place for others using the talents that we have been given. And it is these small talents that make us each more than ordinary.
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LOL. Yes, I would be blushing too. Funny, when others point out our strengths, we feel embarrassed, somehow. I must add that your talents are not small,,,and your humbleness is huge.
And, you are anything but ordinary.
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Thank you Darlene.
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This is true. When we set out to be daring and different – having tattoos – we usually find we are part of a herd. When we simply do things which seem ordinary and boring is very often when we stand out. Ironic!
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You said it: we try so hard to be extra-ordinary that we become just like others – and quite ordinary.
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Dear Colline
Oh, this is so true! The fact that each one of us even has our own set of fingerprints, is such great proof that our Lord sees us all as a unique individual!
Blessings XX
Mia
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I agree Mia. And He has given us each different talents with which to help others: some are more able to help the old, teach the young, work with adolescents, etc.
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a wonderful post. i am unique for the way i see and find my way through the world. i think we each are for this reason along with many others.
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And often it is our unique way of seeing things that helps others, don’t you think? It is for this reason, I believe, that talking with others about our difficulties helps us to realise the solutions.
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Enjoyed this very much. We indeed all are special. My father alo said that regardless of you are or where you are, you have areole to play in life, whether in your family, community or the big world stage!
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I agree with him. I think back on my life so far and I realise that there are so many ordinary people who have helped me to get where I am today.
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Lovely Colline! You did great justice to this word today. Thank you for sharing. What makes me unique? Well, knowing someone like you, of course! Happy Weekend!
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Thank you Debi 🙂
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Wonderful response to the prompt, Colline! As for what makes me unique, it’s likely my poetic voice x Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
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Most definitely – your poetic voice certainly stands out 🙂
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Lovely insightful post Colline, we are all ordinary, yet individual and distinct in our own ways ,with our own special talents.
Regards
Ian
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And that is what I love about people Ian – that we are all unique in our own way.
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It was heartwarming and touching to see so many respond the sentiments you expressed.
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The comments of my readers are always a blessing to me. I love that they are comfortable enough to share their thoughts with me.
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Thanks for introducing me to another challenge! Five Minute Friday. Just what you need my hubby says, another thing to fill your already full weekend! But he adds, if thats what you like, you do it! Like your take on ordinary, I have always said, inside everyone there is a story waiting to emerge, no one is ordinary; we all have strengths, and even a weakness is never ordinary. Good, but I am rammbling on……
Liz
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I love writing for Five Minute Friday (after all, it takes only about 5 minutes). And it is always interesting to read what other people have written.
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I am re-reading this post of yours, Colline and I am thinking about the voice of a little girl who was recently asked who she wanted to be when she grew up. In hushed tones with eyes downcast, she answered, “Nothing, really.”
Wondering if we should all re-phrase this question to, ‘What do you want to contribute to the world?’
To be asked what we want to ‘be’, is like saying that we are nothing as children and we must be working towards ‘being’ something. Or it is like saying that the only authentic value one can have is as a ‘worker’ at something with a label, like fireman or nurse. And, this could not be further from the truth. If we could encourage children to be who they are well into adulthood and come to understand who they really are, rather than meld into the expectations and demands of society, we would enjoy a better, kinder and more peaceful world.
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I could not agree with you more Darlene. Children need to be allowed to be children with non of the world’s expectations of adults shoved onto them. The time will come when they will be able to make these decisions. What we as adults are to do is encourage them to have the confidence to do so.
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