Don’t worry if you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition ~ Abraham Lincoln

Obscurity is often seen as a bad thing. Being obscure, in the shadows, where no one cares what you say, do or think is a great position to be, yet it’s not a position most of us like to stay in for too long. The modern day celebrity culture we have embraced and use of social media has changed the landscape of how we communicate and has increased the pressure to be heard and noticed.

 

In everything we do, there is a subtle element of ‘notice me, look at me, I’m doing great.’ That’s what picture-driven social media platforms thrive on. I have never seen anyone post their worst picture on Facebook or Instagram timeline. You want to look your best for your virtual friends to see and admire your life. Obscurity, strangely is one of the best gifts you can wish for while developing and perfecting your craft, character and creativity.

 

I was blessed with this gift just over two years ago now and the benefits outweigh the supposed disadvantages. Looking back on the last couple of years, I can sum up the experiences to be of learning and development. Obscurity will present the opportunity to learn a lot about yourself, your priorities, clarity of thought, dreams and visions and about your friends and family. Not many people have the patience  to stay with you in your formative seasons. Ready made is the order of the day. Many befriend the spotlight, very few stay behind the screen. Before the revolution of digital cameras, great pictures were made in the dark. Overnight success is averagely three to five years residence in the land of obscurity.

 

There are millions in the land of obscurity, training and sharpening their craft while waiting for the opportunity to present themselves. You don’t sit around waiting for an opportunity to knock on your door before you start training and stretching your mind.

 

What Can You Hope For As You Unwrap The Gift Of Obscurity?

I have observed that most times, being obscure is not necessarily what you plan to do, it happens as a result of a decision, action or choice you made that did not turn out the way you expected or envisaged. Hence, being obscure could be your ‘making the best out of a bad situation’ experience – a loss of job, relationship, family, position or influence. Whatever it is, know that it is for your good and for a season. Just because things are not going the way you planned, does not mean they are not going the way they should. I can definitely relate to that statement. I know more about myself from the last two years than over thirty years of my existence. I’m beginning to find my voice, re-establish my priorities and know what I truly want to do with my life.

 

A few surprises await you when you unwrap your gift of obscurity:

 

1. You will identify what’s really important to your existence. We spend most of our entire lives pursuing things that are not necessarily essential to our being.

 

2. You are able to be yourself; make mistakes over and over again without the fear of being judged or ridiculed. It’s your testing ground for new ideas and concepts until you are able to develop your own unique winning formula.

 

3. You are able to develop your instinct, craft, character and creativity. Character is shaped in the face of challenges, contradiction and compromise.

 

4. You will be able to build your confidence and boldness; some accomplishments you made (that no one knew about) will become your reference point when life or external voices begin to question your eligibility to attempt what you are about to do. You will not be swayed by people’s opinions, comments and conclusions at that point.

 

5. You will understand pain and be compassionate, patient and willing to help others you come across in life facing difficulty in making sense of their life.

 

6. You will be able to outlive the microscopic scrutiny at the centre stage because you have lived a self-scrutinised life in obscurity. Success destroys more lives than makes them on the great stage. Success will only highlight your life; expose your habits, character, values and priorities.

 

If you truly unwrap the gift of obscurity life has presented to you, you will become a better version of yourself. You will come out a well grown, mature mind, ready to make a difference in this world.

Tagged: GIFT, OBSCURITY