The “Susan Boyle” In Us

I have been so inspired by Britain’s latest find on “Britain’s Got Talent,” Susan Boyle.  If you haven’t seen the clips of Susan, you can check her out on YouTube:

Susan Boyle wowed the world on the April 11, 2009 show when she sang “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Miserables.  She came out and was instantly judged for her outer appearance.  (Ever felt that way before yourself?)  I must admit when I saw her, I thought it was one of those people that thought they had talent and didn’t, and was going to humiliate themselves on the t.v.  Just like with all of us, the outside isn’t a reflection of the inside.  When Susan opened her mouth and barely sang a few notes, the world was mesmerized and delightfully entranced.

Until about a month ago, Susan Boyle was an unknown.  Now she is the latest celebrity on cable shows, the Internet and around the water cooler.  One of the reasons she is such a hit is because of who she is both inside and out.

As she walked out on the stage under the bright lights and about to become under the judges’ scrutiny, you couldn’t help but notice her dowdy dress, grayish no-body hair with bushy eyebrows.  The assumption made by most is that this was not going unfold nicely.  Then…..Susan opened her mouth to sing and everything changed.  Her appearance was unnoticeable compared to her beautiful, rich, powerful voice.  Simon Cowel’s eyes were literally opened in shock and amazement.  The audience went from laughing to clapping loudly.  From that moment on, along with the rest of the world, we were reminded of a valuable lesson.

I’ve read some of the reviews of her performance.  Very insightfully, one reviewer used the story of the ugly duckling as a beautiful swan.  How many times have we been judged by our outer appearance.  We are laughed at, thought less of and assumptions made incorrectly about who we are and our capabilities.  For me, I think there is a Susan Boyle in us as people and especially those of us with weight challenges.

Even though I have lost 147 pounds, I am essentially the same person.  Pre-op, I could have walked down the street and had the looks and stares that made me feel like a freak of nature.  Now, after losing weight and being a normal size, still the same person, if I get stares it is because of how I look but in a positive way.  The Susan Boyle in me came out after I had surgery and most importantly lost my weight and gained my fitness and health.

We are all as special, rare and unique as Susan Boyle.  We have that same beauty, talent and amazing swan inside each of us.  Just as Susan Boyle is a special someone with newfound celebrity, she’s still the same person as she was a few months ago.  Yes, Susan Boyle is a special someone…..just as each and every one of us.  Recognize and honor your own special qualities that you possess that make you who you are.

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator