SWF, 47 and Never Been Kissed, by Jill

I bet you thought this was the beginning of a personal ad. Sorry kids, Janet and I are offering reading entertainment not a dating service. However this is the description of a woman of whom I had never heard, Susan Boyle. Actually no one had heard of her, with maybe the exception of her neighbors in the small town in England where she lives. Now, worldwide people know the woman who sang, “I Dreamed a Dream.”

Boyle was a contestant on “Britain’s Got Talent.” She stood up on stage before the world with fire, determination, courage and confidence. She said that wanted to be a professional singer and aspired to be as successful as Elaine Paige. Everyone baulked at her comment.

The hosts, judges, the studio audience and even the viewing audience had a pre-conceived notion of what they thought they were about to hear. People were laughing, rolling their eyes, and expressing disbelief in her ability to perform as if they were saying, “There is no way you can sing? Who do you think you are? Elaine Paige, please no way.”

Queue the music, Boyle hits her first note. The audience and judges alike gasped, brows raised, people cheered, they stood and clapped. She had changed a roomful of doubt into heartwarming inspiration. In a word, she was EXCEPTIONAL. Whether or not this genre of music happens to be in your ITunes library, there is no denying this lady can really sing. If you don't believe me, click here: Susan Boyle & Elaine Paige edit "I Dreamed a Dream"

The point to my story is this – inspiration can be found anywhere. Have confidence in yourself and don’t let others preconceived notions and judgments change how you act and feel. Keep an open mind and remain true to yourself and your dreams. Be exceptional.