Gifted for More

Dear Aspen reader,

‘Tis the season for gift giving! We’ve spent the last three years away from family during the Christmas season and it sure feels good to be back in the mainland U.S. to celebrate a (hopefully) snowy winter. While the holidays in Hawaii can seem like a dream there is only so much ‘mele kalikimaka’ you can sing when you’re a Midwest girl used to the chilling breezes during the winter months.

When it comes to gifts (the more talent oriented type), do you feel that you’ve been bestowed with many? Some? None?

Now, I’m serious. Stop for just a second and take a tally on where you feel your gifts lie. Think of it like a Christmas list in reverse, writing down the gifts that you already have. I’m going to challenge you to write down something, even if it’s just one gift.

A few examples that may have popped into your head:

• gifted at building relationships with people

• gifted at managing numbers and balancing finances

• gifted at being thrifty and creating craft projects

• gifted at a form of visual art (painting, drawing or otherwise)

• gifted at writing

• gifted at teaching

• gifted in athletics

• gifted at leading in groups

• gifted in organizing people

…..any of those fit your gifts and talents?

It’s my firm belief that we are all gifted in unique ways and it is on purpose. There is a deeper need, a deeper call and a deeper mission for which our gifts may be used if we choose. As we look toward a new year, consider how the gift that you have to offer might be uniquely used to impact someone else. Then, start taking steps to make that happen. You’ll find a deeper level of fulfillment and contentment as you use those deep gifts to propel you into your future. I promise.

In health,