As a child, we would use real painted eggs during our Easter egg hunts and our parents would give us gifts based on how many eggs we found. I never put much thought as to the why, I simply enjoyed fighting my siblings to find the most eggs. Now as an adult, I realize how genius this idea was. The more incentive we had to find eggs and get our gifts, the less likely our parents would have to deal with rotten eggs in the yard weeks later.
Everyone on this earth has a gift. It is our choice whether or not we use these gifts and how we use them. Now, I don’t really think our gifts spoil. After all, I put mine on the shelf for 20 years. But if we want to serve a purpose to the best of our ability, we must first find out what our gift is.
Time to do a little research
I could spend the next day listing great books out there that will help you find your passion and gift. Find Your Passion, A Higher Purpose, and Your Spiritual Gifts Inventory are just a few. If you have more recommendations, please drop them in the comments. a vast multitude of books have been written on the topic because the struggle to self-identify your gifts is such a challenge.
We must wade through the thick mud of society and distraction to discover our true purpose because we are suppressed to such a large degree. Please, don’t feel bad if you are reading this and stress that you haven’t the slightest idea the identity of your gifts.
I will recommend one book in your research journey. The Artist’s Way, was written by a Christian woman, but regardless of your faith, she wrote it for everyone working to find their gifts. It is the number two book on my recommended reading list for a reason.
How to start using your gifts
Show up.
That is it! A lesson that took me years to learn is that if you want to improve at anything in your life, the first task is to show up. If you want to be a marathon runner, you don’t start by running 26 miles on day one. Day 1, get dressed. Seriously! Another easy-to-read book to help you on this journey is Tiny Habits. This book talks about how to break through the struggle of creating positive habits in your life.
When you start on your gift journey, it is vital to show up everyday. For me, I have so many aspirations and book ideas to write. Often I will sit in the morning and feel incredibly overwhelmed at the vast directions I want to go. I want to just sit and write for hours and publish the next great America novel. But what really happens is I write this blog.
Why?
Why not produce the novel? The simple fact is that I haven’t developed my gift to be able to output on that level. So I show up and post a blog. On days where I am not able to write a post, I put some pen to paper and at a minimum express my thoughts.
Is your gift in photography? Make sure you have your phone handy to snap at any time. Are you gifted in the kitchen? Commit to deviating from one recipe a day. Are you gifted in Microsoft Excel? Create a new spreadsheet each day to track your family’s activities. Sure, they might scoff at your ‘nerdiness’, but that is just their own Resistance talking.
Staying motivated is the most challenging activity
Showing up every single day is not as easy as I am making it sound. I pledged to work my art about 42 days ago and this morning I woke up struggling to sit down and write. Doubt creeps in. I ask myself who really cares? Why am I even trying to exercise my gift?
The ironic thing I discovered is that on days I win and exercise my gift, I am a happier person. The days I skip or do it later in the day, I struggle with stress and anxiety. No, not every day is a good day that I write, but it awakens other areas of my life that keep me strong.
What is your gift? If you want help exploring and having an accountability partner, please reach out. Send me an email or make a comment and I will help you on your journey.
Have you ever wanted to be a copywriter or looking for a side-hustle? Check out Nicki’s page. She got me started down this amazing journey.
Satisfaction in the bedroom is one of the most important components of a happy life. If you’re feeling stuck or looking for the next adventure. Check out Jessica B. and her lotions, potions and things that go buzz in the night!
Curious what I do on my free time when I am not writing?
Check out my business’ home page: CCSE
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