Natural Gifts

What are you naturally gifted at doing? No one can teach you this. You could gain new skills in this area but otherwise could do it without formal education. It’s just what you are good at. Another way of saying something comes naturally to you is it is an ability or quality you were uniquely born with. Can you think of particular characteristics, qualities, and/or abilities that stick out to as natural gifts? Or maybe it’s something others have told you they appreciate about you.

Your unique qualities, characteristics, and/or abilities are what make you, you. There are times though when what was intended to be a help can be taken for granted or taken advantage of. We often know what it’s like to have kindness taken for weakness. In this case, the strengths we possess can begin to feel like burdens. This is never a good experience and can cause harm for all involved. In my own life, I can say I have not always recognized my natural gifts. In fact, I’m realizing more and more I almost ran away from them. Subconsciously, due to negative experiences where my strengths were taken as weaknesses, I had developed fears. So instead of taking the initiative as the leader I was purposed to be, I took the back seat. Instead of speaking up, I listened. Supporting others and having a listening ear are all wonderful qualities to have and are integral for leadership (I feel they also make me who I am today). In my case, though, there were instances when I wasn’t reaching my full potential. I was actually stunting my growth by accepting defeat. Taking the initiative and advocating for and encouraging change are two of my greatest strengths. Thus, in addition to recognizing the value you have to offer to others, it’s important to be aware of the ways in which you are not embracing all that makes you special, including what may be perceived as a weakness. 

When you give a gift to someone, something amazing happens, especially if it is a gift that meets a particular need that someone has. An exchange occurs that is mutually beneficial. Not only is someone positively impacted by what you share with them but you too are positively impacted by helping others. A friend shared recently about the joy of learning from helping others. This reminded me of the significance of gift giving and the opportunity we all have to take part in sharing and receiving the best we have to offer. 

Take some time to think more about the natural gifts (qualities, characteristics, and/or abilities) you possess. Consider your life experiences, what you recognize as personal strengths and passions, and the gift you may be in the lives of others.

I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share a comment or reach out if you’d like to connect, have questions, or are interested in partnering.

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