Getting To Know You

I was in awe when my friend Rebeka showed me her work. Abstract shapes were exquisitely worked in untamed patterns and fused with breathtaking hues. Her painting was amazingly beautiful, but absolutely surprising to me. Why, you might ask. Well, it was her first attempt at painting. She started barely three months ago – Rebeka is 57 years old.

My friend has had no formal education or basic training in art. She just happened to see some unused acrylic tubes on her neighbor’s trash and decided to try them on a canvas and boom – she created one amazing artwork. Her newly discovered talent came as a surprise not only to me, but especially to her. Who would have known for certain that Rebeka has this hidden talent waiting to be discovered after 57 long years.

Rebeka’s story reminds me of an article I read in a newspaper last month. There is a seven year old boy from the province of Pangasinan (northern Philippines) who regularly drives a backhoe! Yes a backhoe which is a piece of heavy equipment used in construction. Amazing isn’t it? But this was quite an early self discovery.

For me, I can say that I’m lucky. Because of this great willpower in me, I never had problems perfecting a new experience to my advantage. When I tried scribbling a short story ( I was nine at the time), I surprised my parents and teachers. When I did my first sketches (at the age of 11), it was really a discovery for me. When I tried song writing (at 15), it worked. When I tried paper clay art (at 26), it was marvelous. And when I tried swimming (at the age of 28, huh), I didn’t drown.

One can never be too old or too young for self-discovery or rediscovery.

Life is constant learning and human talents are limitless. One just needs some concentration, inspiration, encouragement and cheers to be able to realize that hidden talent waiting to be expressed.

So whether you’re five years old or in your twilight years, the opportunity and power to explore the undiscovered you is in your hands. Learn new things like playing a new sport; singing new kinds of songs; doing exotic dances; experimenting with cooking; trying some artwork (like Rebeka did); starting your own vegetable garden; embarking on some eco-friendly practices (for Mother Earth) or simply indulging in a totally new experience. But do it now, so you’ll have some time for improvement in order to become a master or expert (wow!).

Explore. Experience. Learning is always fun. And constant self-discovery is not only exciting and stimulating, it is really a never-ending experience.