"A peacock who rests on its feathers is just another turkey."

I bought a new Dolly Parton book (“Dolly Parton In Her Own Words” edited by Suzanne Sonnier) over the weekend at Mast General Store in Valle Crucis (IYKYK). A whole ‘nother book of quotes!

For the record, I love turkeys. The real ones – the ones you see in the woods or while traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. They’re big and awkward and resilient and they were almost, not for nothing, the US national bird. I also love peacocks, with their enormous feathers reflecting every color of the rainbow. Interestingly, peacocks do look a lot like turkeys when they’re not all fluffed up and showing off.

So what do peacocks and turkeys have to do with work and leadership? To me, peacocks in this scenario represent the sharing of our brilliant talents. It’s not about showing off, it’s about showing up and bringing the best that we have to offer with us when we do. It’s about being present and engaged, and oh so visible. Paraphrasing Marianne Williamson, who are we to play ?smaller than what we’re capable of? If we’re sitting on our gorgeous peacock feathers, that’s what we’re doing. We’re robbing the world of our greatness, our bright colors, of the oohs and aahs and joy we could be giving to others. There’s nothing wrong with being a turkey, sometimes. Sometimes we need a breather. A break to be quieter and more reserved or to take a back seat in certain situations. But sitting on our peacock feathers all the time only serves to decrease the about of magic and amazement in the world.

Be like Dolly. Share your brilliant feathers.