Use those talents you have. You will make it. You will give joy to the world. Take this tip from nature: The woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except those who sang best. Bernard Meltzer
The Master had been on his deathbed in a coma for weeks. One day he suddenly opened his eyes to find his favorite disciple there. "You never leave my bedside, do you?" he said softly.
"No, Master. I cannot."
Why?
"Because you are the light of my life."
The Master sighed. "Have I so dazzled you, my son, that you still refuse to see the light in you?" --Anthony de Mello
Everyone has gifts, talents and strengths. Yet, our tendency is to focus on our shortcomings and what we missed or don't know.
Since the topic of undermining ourselves has been addressed many times in various ways (and seems to continuously have merit), suffice it to say that at this point, it might behoove you to learn to appreciate your true value.
Recently, I met with a friend who reminded me about things that she admires and observes about things that I offer. Normally, I would have simply stayed quiet or said something dismissive. It was in the way that she shared, I realized that they weren't things that she might say about anyone - they were specific to me. It actually had me thinking about those things and realizing that I take them for granted. I would not think of these as special until I thought about my friends, clients, students, family, etc. Then I realized how these characteristics are not common across the board.
There are some questions and clues to help you recognize where your strengths and gifts are. These are not necessarily simple, quick answer questions, but rather ones where you may need to dwell a bit and/or come back to them.
Think about what you offer. What makes you special? Unique? What value do you bring to other people? to yourself?
What would a friend say about you if he/she wanted someone to understand how important you are in your relationship?
What is something that you are so good at that doesn't require any effort and most likely you have been taking it for granted?
Hints to recognizing your gifts and talents:
--You can do it or learn it with ease
--It comes naturally to you
--You look forward to doing it
--Time seems to go quickly when you're doing it
Talents and gifts can be as simple as 'highly organized, great memory, good common sense, perseverance, etc. It doesn't necessarily just have to be something obvious like cooking, art, music, or dance, but it might be.
More examples of talents that you may not recognize as such:
Staying calm under pressure
Organizing events
Establishing instant rapport
Gardening or a green thumb
Generating ideas
Quick wit
Identifying resources
Story telling
When you see other people struggling with something and you wonder what makes it so hard for them, that's a clue that it is a gift or talent for you.
When was the last time you silently complimented yourself... just because? Or for an accomplishment or achievement, or for being courageous, honest at a difficult time, giving and wanting nothing in return, supplying an answer or solution, your creativity, etc.
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT
Think of a time when someone acknowledged something you did and you dismissed it as 'no big deal.' Perhaps at the time it didn't seem very big to you, but to someone else it did. That's a clue that you are not seeing your own light.
Resources: http://www.manifestyourpotential.com http://ianpaulmarshall.com
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-13. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
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