The Gift of Words

I finally heard the "story" of a woman I have known for years. I have only known Anita as a mother, a grandmother, an accomplished artist and a successful teacher. We do not often get to hear the full background for acquaintances, and of course we paint our own picture of their reality.

We had the occasion to speak at length and she told me how she became and artist & art teacher. Encouraged by her parents, she studied art and music from a young age. She liked both, but her passion was music. She didn't feel particularly accomplished in either, but she LOVED music. Her music teacher never gave her positive feedback, never complimented her on talent, and only criticized "Your fingering isn't good; your timing is off, etc." In her teenage years, an art teacher recognized her talent, commented on it and after some prodding, suggested she apply to the Cleveland Institute of Art. She was surprised, and although she was actually accepted, this accomplished artist probably wouldn't even have applied had her teacher not told her she was talented. When her music teacher heard she was accepted to the art institute, he was shocked and said that she could have been accepted to a major music program. Anita couldn't believe it! This person who had never even given a compliment for her talent thought that she was gifted enough to have been accepted into a major music program??? 

Anita stayed with art, and has had a wonderful life and career. But, despite the fact that her passion was music, she has never touched an instrument since those days. 

As adults, we have tremendous power when it comes to helping children find and see their own talents. Everyone has talents: some are gifted socially and they make their friends feel good on the playground, some are funny and can make others laugh easily. Some kids are learners and readers and love to learn facts which they might use later to save the world! The list goes on; try to help a child today see something amazing about themselves!

SpeakNicely goes west - We will be featured next month on KTLA, Southern California's #1 morning program. If you are interested in sharing a story involving the power of the words (either on air or through email), please send the details to: info@speaknicely.com. You may also post to our facebook fan page