If you went through a typical day KNOWING that all the interactions you had with people would have some lasting effect on them, would that influence how you behave? Guess what, you do and it does. We are so busy just being busy with life that we forget that we are here for a reason. My belief is that we are here to contribute, evolve and love. I recently heard a quote that struck a chord with me— “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Most of us look at our physical selves and forget about our spiritual selves and that we are here to give to others. While it’s wonderful to “have”, it’s even more fulfilling to “give”.
Every one of us has a gift. The power of it is in the perspective. Yes, Mozart had a wonderful gift, but is it any more valuable than the woman who works at the local homeless shelter caring for the less fortunate? Personally, I don’t think so. I have often run across people that are performing some service and I think, “Wow, the world is so lucky to have someone like them who will do that – because I couldn’t!”
What is your gift? And before you say, “I don’t have any gifts!” let me suggest that if you were to ask people who know and love you that question, they’d come up with at least one and probably many more. We have such a hard time seeing ourselves filled with the wonderful traits and talents that we all possess. We’re taught that if we recognize and openly appreciate our gifts it can make us seem vain. I don’t happen to agree.
Whether you are the waitress that doesn’t need to write anything down (amazing to me!) or the doctor who has successfully replaced a knee, I believe that the confidence that comes with acknowledging what you do well is a good thing and a gift in itself.
So let me ask you again, what is your gift? And remember, you don’t have to be Mozart to make a difference. I propose that the gift is you; being here every day and touching the lives of everyone you come into contact with. I have personally been affected and touched by so many thoughtful gestures in my life. I KNOW how powerful this is and I hope now you will think about it too.
