Ordinarily Extraordinary

Ordinary – common, average, routine, usual
Extraordinary – amazing, exceptional, special, incomparable

We all have something in common: we breathe the same air, we eat, sleep, drink, blink our eyes, we laugh, cry, walk and talk. We were born from another human being. ‘Common’ is good because it gives a sense of togetherness, solidarity, relationship. We need these factors of life to survive. ‘So (why) isn’t that enough’ you ask? No really, I have heard people, especially young students like you, who want to do just enough to “pass” and live a “normal” life. Ok, this would be fine except….

….. too many of us who choose or have chosen to settle for ‘ordinary’ have become envious of those who recognize that there is something more to them, and strive to express the “extraordinariness” inside.

All of us – regardless of financial status, culture, skin tone, family background, gender - have that extraordinary gift or talent to share with others. Furthermore, I think you and I can agree there are countless stories of (ordinary or common) human beings who do extraordinary things. I am thrilled we can easily name three; go ahead, name three…wasn’t that easy?

And if we examined those we feel are extraordinary, we would discover a few things they have in common: 1) clarity of personal talent and purpose 2) they don’t quit, they give themselves a chance 3) they don’t waste your time 4) they produce results 5) others say they’re great. Extraordinary people also seem to be happy, don’t they?

Give Yourself A Chance
One of my passions is teaching. I believe that teachers along with parents are the most powerful external sources of education and human transformation. I teach middle school and high school students here in New York City and I tutor students in my community. Through several decades of teaching I have sharpened my skills and learned so much about myself as a teacher. Many times I was challenged by students in ways that would make others quit. But time and again I’d give myself a chance because I believe in my talent and I believe in the intelligence and greatness of youth.

According to others, I am really good at what I do. I’m best known, amongst clients and others who know me, as an educator. I’m also an entrepreneur, author and filmmaker (who is starving to direct another project!), but those things came years later.

The point is, the moment you give yourself a chance, not only will you attract the support you need but you will have blown the lid off your inner extraordinary just waiting to express itself for you. It’s never too late and you are definitely not too young! So how can we start the path of extraordinariness?


Teen Task
1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Jot down about 2 or 3 things about yourself that you feel make you extraordinary. For example; “I’m an extraordinary (dancer, math student, peer counselor, etc)” 3. Give examples of why you feel you are extraordinary, for example “I’m an extraordinary math student because I get 90’s and above in math; I’m on the honor roll, I tutor/help my classmates who ask for my help. 4. Discuss this blog with your parents or with those you feel safe sharing your thoughts.


Fun Fact: I first heard the phrase “give yourself a chance” from Tiger Woods who would use the phrase to describe the mental stamina and persistence necessary to win or excel. Such a simple phrase from an extraordinary human being.


Thank you for reading.     ~ Quelyn

Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie