STORM2K

Well... because of Popsky's comment in my Words,words,words thread it brought up something else that I thought would be a topic for discussion.

I spent my high school years wrapped up totally in speech/drama/debate. I received numerous trophies, qualified to nationals, qualified to state, and even received 4th place in the state of Missouri in prose reading. I am now going to school to be a speech and debate instructor.

At the tournament this weekend, I was judging an event and was thoroughly disappointed in the quality of the competition.

My first thought was, "I can do better than that!". But immediately I then wondered if I had been that "bad". I think it is all about perception.

So... why do we think we are better at some things than others? Is it because we actually are? Do we think we are better than what we really are? Do we need to look in the mirror more often?

Good post Garrett

Garrett, this may sound stupid, but I get that SAME feeling from half of the performers on American Idol!! I love music, it is the other big half of my life; through high school I was involved in three different choirs, I got a music letter, I've sang in weddings, and even won two trophies in karaoke contests (first place). I think that I have talent, but I don't think I am anything special and I am well aware that I make mistakes and have room for improvement, and yet I still criticize the people who've made it this far like I AM somebody! I think it is a natual reaction implanted in us to make ourselves better than others, and that isn't always a bad thing, nothing should ever go wrong from believing in yourself, right?

Since I started it, I'll jump in right along side you.

I know a lot of people who think they can do many things better than someone else. Often they come right out and say it. Even worse, they prefer to rap on someone else for how or what they did, but have never ever tried to do the same thing in their own life.

Being judgemental is natural. We read or hear something and often we have an opinion. Right here at Storm2k opinions are all over the place. Even this new thread is an invitation for an opinion.

I've come to know that we all have gifts. Some of us can sing. Some are musically inclined. Some mechanically inclined. Some are excellent writers. Others are best in spoken word.

If you were asked to be a judge, Garrett, it is because you have a reference point from which to be one. You have experience under your belt to know what you are talking about. That is a wonderful gift.

I've also come to the conclusion that what is most important about the gifts we have, however, is what we do with them. We can selfishly maneuver our way through life and make them work for us personally day in and day out.

Better, in my opinion, to be humbled by our gifts and use them to encourage and inspire others.

One answer to your question might be how you responded as a judge. Being critical is ok...even good and expected. But through your critical eye and the skill you have in presenting your discovery, were you able to inspire and encourage those in the competition, or were they more likely to head home on the bus and want to take up golf instead?

None of us are perfect, as we know. In fact, we fall hopelessly short of that goal. What we do have, however, is the opportunity to enlighten and grow the spirit in people.

I'll take this opportunity to do just that. Garrett, the very fact that you developed such a heartfelt question derived from your original post tells me you have a terrific future that will inspire others along the way.

And that's the exact reason why I have so much faith in the resilience of the human spirit and the promise that this country is indeed producing some wonderful young talent along the way.

Thanks for the post Popsky. I see exactly what you're saying.

Poppysky said it all like it needed to be said,
Garrett!

Go forth and do what you do best! It's not
that you were "bad", but, other's perceptions,
as you have already acknowledged, will be
different. Just keep on keeping on, buddy!