Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon was one of my favorite short stories from my days in elementary school (click the link to preview the first 65 pages).  It is the story about a mentally disabled individual who undergoes a special surgery to make him smarter.  The story is told through his journal as he gradually gets smarter.

There is a deeper meaning for me now as I recall this man's journey.  I see many similarities in my life as I learn to be a better writer and self-publisher.  The purpose that we seek for our lives is unique for each of us, however, the challenges and obstacles are something that we have in common.

Getting qualified is not an easy process.  Depending on our calling, it may take years of training and preparation to become the person we were created to be.  Daniel Keyes, the author of the short story and subsequent novel, was inspired to write because of his conflicted relationship with his parents.  They were pushing him to pursue pre-med studies while his heart's desire was to become a writer.  His own education was driving a wedge between him and his parents and he wondered what would happen if it were possible to increase a person's intelligence.  The aha moment came when one of his special needs students asked if he could ever get smart enough to be put in a regular class.

You have the power within you to become qualified to do the work you were created to do while you are here on this planet.  You don't need a special surgery to get smart.  Work hard daily to develop the gifts that you were born with and don't ever give up on your dreams.  The world is waiting for you to reveal your unique masterpiece.  Time to get busy...

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