Underestimated

Have you ever viewed a person — either someone you know personally or just a person you’ve seen around — in such a way that you’ve unwittingly concluded that you’ve seen all the potential there is to see of this individual, and that the potential you see is all the potential the individual has?

No? Hmmm…I’ll bet you have.

It’s like seeing a natural emerald in a jewelry case when your heart is set on buying a diamond.

It is unassuming, this emerald. It isn’t screaming for attention.

The emerald is pretty…or pretty ugly…depending on what you consider when you size it up through the glass. The placement does not…cannot…display its glory; you can see its depth of color but not much else. Besides, it’s not a diamond.

Without the assistance of the person behind the counter to show it to you, you’re likely to overlook it…barely notice it, really…because it’s not all that impressive to you. Because it’s not a diamond.

But the person does pull it out to show you, and it’s more beautiful than you first thought. The green is deep and warm. The facets draw you in. You feel the need to examine its potential for meeting your expectation.

The light that does penetrate it reveals a flaw, and you quickly decide you don’t want it. A flawed gemstone simply won’t do.

A diamond is naturally of greater value, or so we’re programmed to believe.

It is, indeed, a matter of preference.

You knew I was going somewhere with this, right?

Well, here it is: People naturally underestimate others based on what is obvious.

And we are all underestimated from time to time. By strangers. By family or by acquaintances.

By ourselves.

Like the brilliant, dark, uniquely flawed emerald, there are those who have experienced being underestimated by fellow man more than they have been seen and believed for their potential.

We forget that believing in an someone encourages that individual to press on despite failed endeavors or troubles in life.

It cannot be easy for one to believe in his unique value in the face the relentless onslaught of others’ silent, no-confidence assessments…

…when others move on to the diamond because it shines more.

But the flaw in an emerald — what the jewelry industry calls an “inclusion” — increases its value. It is akin to a birthmark. You will find no other emerald like it.

It’s like seeing an emerald ring when you’re looking for a diamond ring. If you pause to appreciate the emerald’s uniqueness, you may find your quest for the ultimate diamond to be a shallow habit.

 ©Aja, 2021 (re-post from my first blog site, Growing Edges, 2009)