I Had NO Idea What You Were Capable Of...

“I had NO idea what you were capable of!”

Have you ever underestimated someone?

Have you ever underestimated yourself?

The quote above came from a gentleman who talks to me each time I play at my local farmer’s market.

He always compliments my music and chats for a bit as I sit in a folding chair on the sidewalk, trying out new songs on my ukulele, saying hi to friends, taking requests, and getting kids to smile or wiggle as they pass by.

For me, the market is fun community time and a chance to experiment. It’s small portion of my schedule.

But from this gentleman’s perspective, it’s all he has seen me do.

So apparently he thought it was ALL I could do.

Until last month.

“My whole family went to the big band Christmas show you just did,” he said excitedly when he saw me this month at the market.

“I had NO IDEA what you were capable of. You looked so comfortable up there on stage. I’ve always enjoyed your voice, but you’re an entertainer, too! We were blown away.”

“Thank you!” I said, smiling, and letting my favorite part of his compliment sink in: “You looked so comfortable up there.” (I’ve worked my whole life to access that comfort.)

This isn’t the first, nor will it be the last time that someone has underestimated me. And I still battle my own “Selfus Doubtus” on a regular basis!

But it’s always a thrill to see the delight in someone’s face or voice when they realize that you are capable of so much more than they originally imagined.

So dream big, my friends!

May we all keep outgrowing the boxes people unknowingly place us in. And the ones we place on ourselves.