Dear Cotillion Students,
This week, I have two challenges for you!
The first one is for you to recognize someone wonderful – your mom! and the second one is for you to recognize someone else wonderful – you! Ladies and gentlemen recognize the need to celebrate the mothers in their lives and they also recognize the importance of celebrating their talents.
Challenge One:
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. I hope that you are getting ready to celebrate your mom and the other ‘mothers’ (grandmothers, aunts, step-mothers, etc…) in your life. There are likely several women in your life that are actively engaged in ‘mothering’ you! I encourage you to take a few minutes this weekend to stop – really stop – and think about all that they bring to your life: the things that they have taught you, the things that they have done for you, the experiences that you have had together, the times that you have laughed together and the funny things that have happened, the times that they have helped you, the times that they have driven you places, the meals that they have made for you, the many, many ways that they have shown you that they love you. Stop, think, remember and then take a moment to write them a thank you note/letter and let them know how much they are appreciated.
Challenge Two – for the rest of the week:
Ladies and gentlemen know the importance of recognizing their talents and those of others. They also know that they have a responsibility to develop their talents and be the very best version of themselves. This week I hope that you will think about the strengths, talents and abilities that you have and how you can develop them.
- What do you do well?
- What comes easily or naturally for you?
- What are you really interested in? (Interest is often an indicator of talent in that area.)
- Ask your parents what they think your talents are – they have insight that will help you to see yourself more clearly.
And then, think of what you can do to develop your talents. Sometimes fear and doubt keep us from realizing our full potential. Be bold, be brave and be willing to try. One of my favorite quotes comes from Babe Ruth, he said:
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
My niece, Madeline Evans, is a junior in college. She is beautiful. She is spunky! She is funny. She is kind. She is a talented musician. She also has Muscular Dystrophy and has spent her whole life in a wheelchair. She learned to play the ukulele because her arms were not strong enough to hold any other instrument. But, she has not let her disabilities keep her from developing her talents. She is dedicated, determined and works hard. She has released a few songs on Apple Music and Spotify. And most recently she started an online jewelry business (silversocietyco.com – you can find her on Instagram.) The most amazing thing about Madeline is that she does not let what she can not do get in the way of what she can do! She has learned to recognize, develop and share her talents.
Now that you have identified some of your talents (New ones will keep emerging! Watch for them!) think about how you can use those talents to make your family, your neighborhood and the world a better place. Share them! You have talents no one else has, and the world needs you!
Identify your talents and then be dedicated, determined and willing to work hard to help them grow. Don’t give up, don’t quit. Share your talents freely. Have the courage to be the very best version of you!
I believe in you! I know how wonderful you are! Believe in yourself and be your very best self.
Love,
Mrs. Achiu
Northern Virginia Junior Cotillion 