Finding Your Natural Abilities

Most people have heard comments of this kind: “He lacks the motivation to work hard.” On hearing this, what often comes to mind is someone who is passive, lazy, and lacking in desire to pursue success. But in fact everyone can find their own motiva­tion and talents, and each person can, after their natural gifts have been polished with suitable training, be of service to society in their own way.

In four special feature articles this month we follow blind psychotherapist Julia Chu; inspira­tional speaker Lin Hsin-pei and balloon clown Chang Shih-ming, both of whom are wheelchair users; and illustrator Chang Bu, who survived bone cancer, as each tells un­forget­table elements of their journeys through hardship. We see how they have brought their natural gifts into play to transcend physical disabilities and create unlimited possibilities.

We also bring you the second part of our Tokyo Olympics Photo Album, with art­icles and photographs focusing on medalists Huang Hsiao-wen and Lo Chia-ling, the recently completed Paralympics, and hearing-­impaired badminton player Shen Yan-ru, who will represent Taiwan at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil.

Other reports in this issue are equally fascin­ating. We take you to Taroko for an in-depth story on the life of Truku musician and hunter Pi Teyru Ukah. We go to Beigang in Yunlin County to see the refined craftsmanship of Wu Teng-hsing, lantern maker and master of the “Longfeng Lion Ensemble” form of lion dancing from the century-­old Deyitang martial arts school. We explore pilgrimage routes connecting Taiwan’s Catholic churches, as well as the history of the Taiwanese Cultural Associ­ation, founded 100 years ago. We even report on how Taiwanese specialty teas are being promoted in Europe, based on refined Taiwanese tea culture. Such stories let you see many sides of Taiwan from all kinds of perspectives.

Perhaps everyone has their own definition of success, but as long as each individual can bring their natural talents into play, and make the best use of them through learning and self-discipline, all of us can be of service to ourselves, our workplaces, and those who benefit from our efforts. The development of human civilization has depended on our forebears discovering their natural gifts and using their talents to realize their dreams, satisfy their curiosity, and solve the problems of the eras in which they lived.

In this issue we have many stories of cour­age­ous people who have overcome obstacles, including people with disabilities, athletes, and those upholding Taiwanese culture. We hope that reading them can remind each of us not to bow to fate, and can bring an emotional lift and inspiration to our life journeys.