By Xenia S. Estrella
What is true greatness? Is it something that can only be achieved by somebody who’s reached the pinnacle of his career? Really? Should true greatness be gauged by how much somebody has achieved over others? It’s actually sad to think that there are people who’d say, yes, and would think this way.
My favorite poem, Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata, speaks of not comparing ourselves to others, “for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” I believe that true greatness comes from one’s ability to thrive, despite insecurities, flaws and unfortunate circumstances happening around him. True greatness is what happens when one finds a way to give of himself despite being in need of help just the same.
I know that everybody can be great, if only everyone can see his own power from within; the kind of power that comes out in times of both calm and adversity. That, which allows each one to celebrate both assets and flaws, and to just keep on moving forward and striving to be the best version of one’s self.
Love is patient, love is kind… (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Stay calm, cool and collected even when everyone else around is not. A blowing top can cause more chaos within communities that need patience and understanding for peace and order to remain. When the going gets tough, a person of greatness knows when timing is right.
So. We’re in our 2nd year of this pandemic. I admit I am getting a bit restless myself. I have no excuse to be weary, and if you’re in any way like me, then let us strive harder to be as great as we can throughout the wait. Let us raise our standards and be patient despite imperfections in government, despite the recurring lockdowns and quarantines; despite others’ objections; despite unseen gratitude from our peers; despite anyone’s flaws. Remember that greatness can, not be about any one person, but rather about what each person can do to uplift another. We need to uplift one another. Let us all be great by striving to do our best to share what we can and build communities composed of members who will do the same.♡♡♡