Talents and Gifts

Have you made the choice to step into your talents and gifts?  If so, please share what they are and how you are using them.  If not, please tell us why.

Re: Talents and Gifts

Good question Laurie, we don't often stop to consider these gifts do we, at my age it is more looking back, yet continuing to develop. Yes, it is part of our growth to step into these gifts, and a continuing process of learning and development no matter how long we live.
 I was blessed with intuition and have learned always to listen to it.
People confide in me and find me approachable, safe, even on first meetings will tell me something they found difficult to share before, I always respect their confidence in me maintaining confidentiality, often simply sharing and having someone really listen, helps them find their own solutions, people often have more rescources than they know, and I  feel are their own best advocates, so refrain from advising, rather I help them help themselves by reflection back and working out their options.
I was blessed with creativity, this is reflected in my poetry, gardening techniques, and culinary skills.
I was blessed with empathy, a loving and compassionate nature this was expressed in nurturing my family, and my nursing career, and pursuing /campaigning successfully for change where there is obvious social injustice.
I was blessed with a strong natural curiosity, a lifelong love of learning, which develops insight and foresight, and the more I use this the more aware i become of how much more there is to learn, the whole universe is a wonderful playground of infinite possibilities.

Re: Talents and Gifts

This is a thought provoking thread,Laurie,I am glad it came to you and begged to be asked.I enjoyed reading  Zephyr's response.My  personal story is a little different.In  my youth,I didnt realise what gifts or potential I had on my person,in my middle years family circumstances were tough and many of them beyond my control and it was a struggle and atlast I have realised  my direction and am  beginning to find the way.It has been one learning  curve[or mountain]I cant be more specific,have tried to summarise the story and agree whole-heartedly with the last para in Zephyr's  reply above.

Re: Talents and Gifts

“The whole universe is a wonderful playground of infinite possibilities.”  I think so, too, Gael!

I'm a dreamer and a free spirit and had been taught to believe these were not desirable traits.  But only after a long and difficult spiritual journey do I recognize them as treasured gifts.  I feel similarly to roamer when she says “at last I have realized my direction and am  beginning to find the way.”

I became a mother at age 18 and became a responsible parent very quickly.  I feel that I've been a good enough mother and feel loved and honored by my three adult kids, who have grown to be compassionate, thoughtful individuals.  I get along well with teenagers and enjoy their company because I respect them and don't belittle their ideas, ideals and dreams.  I listen to their favorite bands, which helps me understand where my kids, nieces and nephews are coming from, and talking about the music opens up the way to some meaningful, wonderful conversations.  Now that the main work of creating and nurturing is essentially done I'm starting to practice Reiki and am feeling that healing is a new gift I now have to share in the second half of my life.

Re: Talents and Gifts

Zephy, roamer and ingebrita - Thank you so much for sharing your talents and gifts. 

“I was blessed with intuition and have learned always to listen to it.”

“… atlast I have realised my direction and am beginning to find the way.”

“… I'm starting to practice Reiki and am feeling that healing is a new gift I now have to share in the second half of my life.”

One of my gifts is listening.  We hear sirens wail, dogs bark, and church bells ring, but I actively listen with intent.  Not only to what a person is saying, but to what they aren't saying as well.  In other words, I listen between the lines.

Re: Talents and Gifts

Listening between the lines is such a valuable gift, Laurie.  Others must appreciate being so carefully heard by you and no doubt you are able to respond to them more thoughtfully because of your deeper perceptions.

Re: Talents and Gifts

Many people dont even listen to what they say or what is being said-forget about listening  between the lines or hearing during the pauses or understanding body language.I agree with Ingebrita's comments.Laurie is gifted and uses her gift with grace.

Talents and Gifts

ingebrita & roamer - We all bring wonderful gifts to the table.  It's healthy when a person is aware of and nurtures their own, and is aware of and helps to nurture the talents and gifts of other people.

Re: Talents and Gifts

It's so wonderful to read this thread…uplifting and inspiring to me. 

I love the question, and I think the gift I've chosen to step into is appreciation.  Truly hearing, seeing, understanding and appreciating feels right to me and I LOVE to express my appreciation.

Re: Talents and Gifts

So beautiful and true, Helen!  It's a wonderful feeling for both parties when appreciation is expressed.  It warms both hearts and makes life so much more meaningful, and helps us to be more aware and not to take each other for granted!

Talents and Gifts

Helen - “I have chosen to step into appreciation.”  Oh that is lovely.  I can imagine that your personal energy signature just radiates!

For all of our readers, I started a new discussion this afternoon.  You will find it HERE.  You are cordially invited to join me.

Re: Talents and Gifts

I have neglected my writing talent for a long time. Yes, I've written newspaper columns and wedding ceremonies, and I write in my journal. But after my book was published in 2001, and selling my work was still very difficult, I gave up writing essays and other creative things. I didn't have the incentive to write if nobody was going to read my efforts. Yesterday I decided to start a blog where I can share my stories. I still won't be earning money from this talent, but I think there's more of a chance people will read them! I invite all of you to take a peek: http://emilyseverydaypath.wordpress.com.

Re: Talents and Gifts

Emily, thanks for the link; I clicked through through your Power of Light post. I wanted to reply here, with a tiny nudge towards
There's a Novel in there Somewhere- NaNoWriMo!

Re: Talents and Gifts

Emily - I just sat down with a cuppa tea and treated myself to your beautiful writing style on the link you provided to your weblog.  I enjoyed the “About Emily” page just as much!  Thank you.