Inspiration Series: Sir David Attenborough

By my very rough estimates, more than 95% of people who love wildlife have seen the most amazing animals up close, thanks to Sir David Attenborough.  We've held our breaths, sat on the edge of our seats, talked authoritatively about marsupials and blue whales, regaling our young ones with facts we have gleaned through the good Sir's eyes and ears from the comfort of our (or other's) living rooms. Bless his heart.

Sir David is undoubtedly the world's most known and respected naturalist (he turned 90 years mid this year). For 60 years, he has travelled the world, to parts unknown, capturing nature in its element, and relaying the same to billions of viewers the world over.

What many do not know is that at the start of his career at the BBC, the Producers of Zoo Quest discouraged him from appearing on TV - BECAUSE THEY CONSIDERED HIS TEETH TOO BIG AND UNAPPEALING TO TV AUDIENCES. He worked behind the scenes, doing whatever people do behind he scenes to make the ones on the scene look good :-)

His lucky break came when the regular presenter of Zoo Quest did not appear to work one day...David, with his big, unappealling teeth, was asked to step in.....Step in, he did. 

The rest is history. He never stepped out again - or rather, for more than 60 years, he stayed put, doing what he has been passionate about since his toddler days...discovering and sharing nature...

What can I take out of David's amazing journey?

1. Don't let the PRODUCERS of this world shape your destiny. Walk your journey, and never drop what you love because someone thinks you are not suited for it.

2. Always remember - it is the CONTENT and not the CONTAINER that counts. We are created differently, and perhaps that's why the world is such a beautiful place...don't focus so much on the outside that you fail to see the beauty within.

3. Find your passion. Once you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.

4. If you want to live to be 90, don't waste even a minute harming yourself. Balance your mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual being. Be good to yourself, and to others.