Quote #161: Gary Billotti

Hi, I'm Gary Billotti, a 25 year Midland resident, married, father of 3, brother of 3, and friend of many. I am also a proud member of the Midland Wellbeing Coalition.

This quote makes me smile. At first, you may say “duh, that’s obvious”. But when I really think about it, it is telling me to truly embrace who I am rather than trying to conform to others' expectations or mimic someone else's identity. Turns out to be good advice!

I’ve had this experience several times in my life. One clear example for me was as a die-hard sports addict in high school and college, I loved basketball and baseball. As I pursueda basketball career, I tried to be the next Pete Maravich or Larry Bird. At 5 ft. 8 in I realized I needed to focus on what I could do, and let my determination and enthusiasm guide my approach. Same with baseball. I was not gifted with great athletic ability but used my mental approach to be the best I could be. No records set, no college scholarship, no lucrative pro contracts, but it felt right and good to accomplish what I could. I was satisfied with being the best I could be.

This applies to any field of endeavor, whether it is athletics, art, or academics (just felt I needed a little alliteration there). It also applies to who you are, as a person. One way to be true to who you are is to identify your strengths (Strength Finder) and make sure you are applying them in your life. This will help you “struggle well”, which is a major focus of our efforts at the Midland Wellbeing Coalition. What are your strengths? Do you use them?

The simple phrase, “Be Yourself” promotes self-acceptance and self-love, suggesting that it is better to be true to oneself than to live in the shadow of others. The more you do this, the easier it will be to deal with the inevitable struggles we all experience throughout our lives.

The quote also serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize authenticity in a world that often encourages imitation. By embracing our true selves, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute positively to the lives of others.

Stay well, Be well