QUARANTINE LIFE: HERE’S TO EXCELLENCE

There comes a point when you don’t even need a snippet. You have positive experience of consistent quality; you know a thing is going to be good, so you buy it sight unseen. 
Sometimes we demand support of what we’re selling just because of our identities, and expect others to forgo excellence, pay for, promote, and applaud mediocrity. 

I fear that many are walking around discouraged, mad, perplexed, and frustrated because they’re trying to succeed at (without investing study, resources, or time) what others have mastered. They’re trying to cash in on those skills at which others may be innately good, and thereby ignoring, or neglecting their own, true calling. 
There’s an “I can do that, too”, “Get rich quick” spirit that encourages the peddling of shiny, colorful exteriors and packages, the contents of which, don’t match, are disappointing, and sorely lacking. Demonstrate pleasing sounds, heart, and skill in a live performance, and I’ll buy the record. Demonstrate mastery of spelling, grammar, and composition, and I’ll buy the book. Demonstrate creativity, aesthetic beauty, and mastery of the materials, and I’ll buy the art. Demonstrate a command of the language and subject matter, and I’ll attend and listen to the lecture. 

Just because one CAN do something doesn’t mean one SHOULD. If one can safely and effectively navigate several lanes without deluding oneself, neglecting the principal thing, harming, or making a fool of oneself or others, then, by all means drive. Take the whole highway. But don’t get angry or offended when consumers steer clear, keep their distance, laugh, criticize, and prefer to trust their own eyes, ears, and tastes. 

No more accepting polished turds. There IS better. There IS best. Look around. No more time or resource wasting on junk. No more cringeworthy, substance-starved side shows. No more deception. Good exists. Excellence exists. Authenticity exists. Righteousness exists. Competence exists. It’s everywhere. There is no going back to what you now realize wasn’t true, right, or well done. 
Like Toto pulling back the curtain on Professor Marvel, this season has exposed a lot. It has helped us to discern the capable, called, and genuine from the wannabe; the leaders from the followers, puppets, figureheads, and cronies; the experts from the grifters; the doers from the talkers; the genuine from the copycats; the professionals from the amateurs. We’ve seen what can be stripped to its bare minimum, stand alone, and STILL be outstanding and effective. We’ve also seen what has clearly been heavily dependent on, and hiding behind optics, busyness, noise, and fluff.

Here’s to excellence, in every aspect of life, and those who are committed to bringing it humbly, honestly, and regularly.