"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever."  From the movie, "A Bronx tale".  I like to think of talent as a flower.  It requires the right environment for optimal growth.  With the right elements , you have the basis for something that's pretty incredible.  This flower is from a bulb I purchased years ago from a nursery.  Initially, it was rather unappealing and gave no hint as to it's potential.  With a skeptical mind, I planted it, watered and fed it. 

This is the sight that greeted me the next spring:


This gorgeous flower is a German Iris.  It 's scented.  What a surprise as I'd never heard of a scented iris.  I guess the flower is my metaphor for potential/talent.  With the right conditions, it can transform into something spectacular. 
What's the point of my ramblings?  Grow, nurture, encourage and create.  You never know what the right environment might produce.