We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.

We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained. – Marie Curie

These people have a gift and are dedicated. For that, we’re grateful.

What does that mean?
This is another quote which has been abbreviated due to the constraints of Twitter. A more complete version of the quote is as follows:

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.

As one of the few two-time Nobel Prize winners in Science (Physics & Chemistry, one each), this is a person of great accomplishment. She was raised in a well educated but very poor family, and knew that life was not easy.

She acknowledges difficulty, but then says to continue despite that difficulty. The key is self-confidence, springing from our belief that we have a gift, a special something we are here to accomplish.

The quote ends by admonishing everyone to figure out what that special reason is, and then set about getting it done, whatever it may be. She adds one other thing; she asks us pursue this purpose, whatever the cost. And it cost her her life.

Why is dedication important?  
At thefreedictionary.com, dedication is defined as being “wholly committed to a particular course of thought or action; devoted.” This is how she lived her life, devoted to understanding the new field of radioactivity. She died of radiation poisoning acquired from attaining her life’s purpose.

But without dedication to something, what are we doing in our lives besides wandering? We drift away from things painful, and chase that which gives us pleasure, but to what end? Dedication comes from having a purpose, and that helps to give our lives meaning and direction.

Dedication also helps us make decisions. If we are dedicated to the truth, and we have the choice to lie, would we even consider lying an option, or would we simply tell the truth? If we are dedicated to being healthy, would we even consider eating something we consider unhealthy?

Dedication as a very powerful thing, and not something to be taken lightly. Consider the dedication required to be career military, or to enter the priesthood or other religious orders. You have to be really sure to what, exactly, you are dedicating yourself.

Where can I apply this in my life?
When I got married the second time, I dedicated myself to not making the same mistake twice. I dedicated myself to communication and not holding a grudge. When we had kids, I dedicated myself to being the best parent I could be. At work, I am dedicated to doing the best I can with what I am given with which to work.

As was mentioned above, these few dedications help guide my life and make decisions much easier to make. It doesn’t always result in the decision I would like, but sometimes I have to put my desires aside to follow that to which I am dedicated.

Recently, we had to rearrange our schedules to accommodate a cross country race and a driving school event for the kids. Both on a Saturday morning. I would rather have slept in, but I am dedicated to doing the best I can, and I can get up in the morning on my day off. Even if I don’t want to do so.

What things have you dedicated your life to attaining? What will you work on attaining, no matter what the cost? For some, it might be owning their own business. For others, it might be that, plus selling it for over a million dollars. Some might dedicate their life to helping others. It depends on the person, and where they are in life.

And remember, this doesn’t have to consume every waking hour. You can still have a day job and still be dedicated to your kids. To what do you find your mind returning, again and again? What are you willing to dedicate at least some of your time, effort, emotion, and spare cash to attaining?

You probably won’t discover any new chemical elements. Nor will you likely earn a Nobel Prize (much less two). But you can become the best you can be at something meaningful in your life. The only questions which remain are what you will do, and when you will start.

From: Twitter, @lobsterquotes
confirmed at : http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Marie_Curie 4th entry
Photo by Loco Steve

Happy birthday to Marie Curie, born 7 Nov 1867.

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