Aging with Grace

I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

I believe the key to this quote are the words, whatever talent. In Justice Ginsberg’s instance, we know her talent was considerable. I think the point is, that whatever our degree of talent, we aspire to achieve the best possible out come with what we are given.

This photo of my bookcases, gives you some idea of the importance of books to me. We often hear that writers are readers and I don’t know how it could be otherwise. What I read, whether it’s a book, a blog or a magazine article, often provides insight into my writing. I believe it makes me better. Whatever talent we have doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by everything around us.

I think outside factors contribute to all sorts of talent. During the time I worked as a luxury retail manager, the company I worked for had meetings, once a year, at stunning locations. We stayed at the Carlyle in New York, spent several days on the secluded Puerto Rico island, Vieques, visited the Ritz Carlton in Cancun. This was not intended just as a nice break, it was meant to inspire us to create what we experienced in our own boutiques when we returned home. Our talent and savior-faire enhanced by the experience.