“Marshall Ramsey, your playing small does not serve the Universe!”
Some comments get your attention more than others. This one, from a friend I greatly admire, hit me right between the eyes.
Playing small does not serve the Universe.
I’m guilty as charged.
We’ve been given this amazing gift call life. And by degrading ourselves and our talents, we waste it. Not going after giant and ludicrously grandiose goals and dreams does, too. We get beat down in life and we play small.
The comment was in response to me downplaying my talent. Now, I believe in a fair degree of modesty — Nothing pisses me off quite like people whose self-image outruns their talent. But not using great talent in great ways does, too. I’ve allowed others to dictate what I think about my abilities. That’s wrong .
On this day of rest, I’m thinking about my friend’s comment. How can I use my talents in new and better ways? How can I improve what I’m doing now? How can change and serve my family and community better? How can I shake off the fear, anger and self-pity that has gripped so many of us in this country?
It’s time for us to play big.
It’s time to serve the Universe.