This past Halloween I dressed up as Elvis Presley. In addition to his legendary clothes, sideburns, and curled lip his brand allowed me to share myself more fully with others. Let me explain. Every year, for the past four years, I have performed unique music in front of my work colleagues during our annual costume contest. I have performed Axl Rose, an 80’s Rapper (Digital Underground, Vanilla Ice, Dr. Dre), and Yo Gabba Gabba. I do this because I enjoy providing others with unique entertainment that few others are willing to provide (regardless of the off-pitch sound it produces). I enjoy the preparation, the anxious feelings, and the overall experience of making people smile and laugh. It is not a big deal but it is a deal that gives me a bit more purpose around the Halloween season.
So I ask…what is your inner Elvis? What is your talent or contribution that you can offer at home, work, or with your friends? What do you enjoy that requires a bit more effort and sacrifice to share with others? What will yield smiles, joy, and laughter? What will yield learning and growth to those around you? Is it baking cookies, talking to the elderly, doing crafts with your kids, performing in front of your kids, teaching ESL classes, listening earnestly to others at work, etc. (I think you get the picture). Our Inner Elvis need not be flashy. It just needs to be something that we, and others, can enjoy.
The rub is that it requires sacrifice to execute. Often times, we rob ourselves of special, little moments because of the work and, at times, anxiety/adrenaline required. Life is the sum of many small moments. If we just sit on the sidelines it can get pretty dull. During the upcoming holiday season, take the necessary action to make moments a bit more special and allow the joy of the experience to fill your life.
See below for extended video of my best Elvis impersonation:
Comments are closed.