My grandfather used to speak of the days when people drove the world. It was a time when people were proud to contribute and move society and industry forward at full steam. But, people were proud of themselves! However, before he died, one of his observations was that "we have come to mediocre times."

I was a bit appalled at that statement because, to me, these times were the epitome of existence! However, over the years, I began to see what he meant. It is not so much that our advances are mediocre, but it is the state of humanity and society that has become mediocre in comparison. Yet, we don't see it as such because we live in these times daily and have no real comparison.

In these times, people lose hope. While I agree that, many times, circumstances are to blame for a particular situation; however, we allow such circumstances to overpower us. We need to take control and decide which circumstances are to be allowed into our lives.

In today's environment, there are only a handful of individuals that move the society forward and so many people simply follow. Perhaps the difficulties, stresses, and complications around us have turned many of us into "mediocre people" in extraordinary times. It depends on how you look at it all! But, indeed, this is not the case.

When all need a hero, a hero is not to be found. That is when the best hero we can have is ourselves. That may sound arrogant, but who would you rather be like: a better you, or someone else who might be where you think you want to be, but may have myriad other problems with which you would have to contend. Deal with your own and become the better you!

We are all extraordinary and we all have something unique and phenomenal to contribute. However, we must learn to contribute to ourselves, first, and then consider the contribution to the world around you. It is how you see and feel about yourself that reflects upon and influences your environment and society. Turn inward and exalt the extraordinary you. Learn that the odd little nuances of life are there to strengthen you to create "extraordinary times."