We must overcome the notion that we must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre. – Uta Hagen (actress – left)
If there was ever a down-the-middle success story in my life, it’s my mother. She is a model of the advantages of living life within societies careful and sometimes subtle boundaries. She has been rewarded with a long life and hundreds of people who love her. And she has excelled in an areas that matter deeply – as a wife and mother.
I’ve always wondered how her life would have gone if she pursue the Journalism career she studied for in college. It might not have been happier, but would more of her gifts have been used? Would she have been able to reach more people?…
As we probe the world of excellence, questions about potential can be very vexing. People often resent folks like me who tend to prod others (and myself) to do more, to perform at our best, to achieve excellence.
"What’s so bad about ordinary?" I’ve had people ask me. The answer is that nothing is wrong with it IF that average is the best someone can do. But there’s a lot wrong with ordinary if the setting is a hospital or any charity dealing with the sick and vulnerable.
When we are weakened and need help, we’re not searching for ordinary.
Why, then, is excellence so rare in the healing professions? What is it that steals our gifts in the middle of our striving to help others?
How can we live Love, not fear?
-Erie Chapman
Journal of Sacred Work 
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