“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”~Henry Van Dyke
Why you may ask? Or you may think, “I don’t have anything worth sharing or anything that anyone would be interested in.”
Oh but you are so wrong!
We look at all the other people around us and think they are more talented, smarter, or have it all together. They have a right to share their talents with the world because their work/gifts are so needed and they can really make a difference.
It’s so easy to get caught up in this thinking, to diminish our talents, our gifts because they don’t measure up to what someone else can do. But that thinking has to stop right now!
You never know what an impact you can make on someone’s life with your written word, a song, a drawing, a listening ear or a hand to hold. We often think that our gifts have to be tangible things but sometimes the greatest gift is the gift of just being present when someone needs you.
In Native American culture, there isn’t a word translation for artist because they believe that everyone in the tribe has a talent, a gift that they are revered for within the tribe. That talent or gift is neither looked upon as lesser or greater, they are all seen as equal. If one person is a great warrior and another is a good listener, they are revered the same because their talents/gifts are what makes the tribe a cohesive community.
Aren’t we all looking to live in a community that is filled with people who give their talents and gifts openly?
So how do you find your talents/gifts if they are not obvious to you? How do you find the truth to your hidden talents/gifts?
Your secret weapon for uncovering the truth…….your friends.
Your really close friends will surprise you with their insights. They already know your talents/gifts and will quickly point them out to you. Once you uncover the truth, use it! Don’t shrink back into hiding, don’t shy away from compliments. Be proud of what you have to offer us and quit making excuses.
And please don’t wait for someone else to “do it better.” Your gifts/talents are unique to you and no one can do it the way you do so quit fooling yourself.
Ready to change the world? Give us your best stuff and the world will be a much better place to live.
I would love to hear your thoughts on what gifts you have to offer the world! Be brave and share with all of us. Also I would love for you to share the love of this post with someone who you feel has some “untapped” gifts/talents to share.
Plant your flag proudly and fly it freely. The world needs you!
