I first read this quote in 2007, while doing research for my thesis. It deeply touched my heart. I remember thinking to myself: "What a waste of time if I'm not using my gifts and talents!"
You see, not everything about yourself is obvious to you. You might hear people complimenting you on certain skills or gifts. But until you start seeing those abilities in yourself and believe that you can put them to good use, not much will happen in your life.
But what are those gifts, talents and abilities? We are so conditioned and brainwashed by the world system that we lose touch with our real selves. By the time we land a job, many of us have been shaped by thousands of messages we heard along the years.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
What gifts, talents or abilities have you noticed in yourself?
What are your friends complimenting you about?
What moves your heart?
What inspires you?
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
What activities make you feel joyful?
What comes natural to you?
Pay attention to all these and start employing your gifts and talents.
Start small but start somewhere.
Do not let confusion, discomfort, fear, lack of confidence or other excuses stop you.
Take a small step, then take another one. Keep going even when you fail or doubt yourself.
Remember that God gives us gifts and talents for a reason.
They are meant to be used for serving others.
They are not meant to lie dormant.
The importance of "doing something you love" is often overlooked. I believe that "doing work that you enjoy" is part of your wellbeing. Often, people ignore this aspect of their life and experience depression and frustration.
You can eat healthy, work out regularly, be a devoted Christian and so on. But if you don't use your gifts and talents in the service of others, you will always feel that something is missing from your life.
It is like being alive, but not truly living.
It is like going through the motions, but with no excitement or joy in your work.
God gave each of us gifts and talents that are meant to be discovered and used in the service of others.
It is never too late to start again! Sometimes you just need to step out in faith and try new things.
Think about discovering and using your gifts and talents like this:
You are a beautiful, amazing instrument that can’t wait to play its own music!!!
Maybe you are not aware of it, but you can definitely make beautiful music.
Just start practicing and play your own music.
Love to all!
Coach Miha