I GIVE THANKS FOR MY TALENTS
All of us are talented. By definition most of us perceive
talents as relating to a set of fixed ideas- he’s a talented artist, she’s a
talented singer or dancer and usually talent tends to be tied with a creative
flair. Some people have a talent for business, which is also a recognised
expression, however you wouldn’t say, ‘Sam’s a very talented nurse.’ You are
more likely to say that Sam is very caring person so nursing was clearly a
profession he is ideally suited to. At the same time, Sam clearly has a talent
for caring and relating to people.
If we had no talent in any realm we would probably lack
direction in life. Usually our talents lead to a definite career. Some people
have an aura about them that leaves others feeling happy to be in their presence.
This is true of my Son’s family- you feel good for hours after they leave; this in addition to their talents! Sharing positive energy is a gift in itself
and something you can work on if it doesn’t come naturally; the age old saying,
‘a smile costs nothing’ is so true and a great practice as we really can light up other people’s
lives.
What interests you? This is often a good starting point as
desire creates a platform for learning new skills. I was speaking with my
hairdresser who gave up an office based career to take up hairdressing
despite having small children at the time. After 12 years in the business she
is looking for a new interest and wishes to reduce her hairdressing to part
time hours so she can start a different occupation. On a persona note, I co-manage a nursery
having worked my way through different types of childcare including
residential, daycare, nannying, child minding and even working in a
psychiatric hospital teaching Mum’s with severe post natal depression to care for
their babies. I have held various positions not associated with childcare
including Evening Store Manager at M&S when I had zero retail experience
previously, so you never know what you can do until you try.
The key is identifying skills. I managed to identify enough
skills from my work in the psychiatric hospital that translated to M&S
including working with people, giving instructions, stock ordering and many
more. Always consider your strengths and apply them to your desires. You should have some idea as to why you want to do something- a strong
feeling is a valid reason and desire for challenge/change. Today we are blessed
with the internet and can research our desires very easily, so we can learn how to go
about making them a reality.
I like to be thankful for my talents because talent is part
of individual make-up. Sometimes I will come across a poem I wrote a long
time ago and wonder where it came from, in fact I have identified the need to expand my repertoire once again, pushing my talent; this is the year to
publish my first book!
When we have talents ideally we should use them to assist others or
bring joy and encouragement. It depends on the nature of your talent as to its
best use. Musicians and the arts in general directly bring us joy. Music
lifts the spirit as does the energy in dance. Lady Diania (Music Media Management
promotions) used her talents by helping me this week through explaining how
some social networking sites I have previously not used benefit business.
Sharing knowledge
is a good way to use talents as are helping your friends to decorate their
homes, knitting blankets for charities, cooking a meal for a sick relative; all
of these things are the reason we have been given talents. Talents are basically our daily
bread and contribution to society- even if you don’t have a job you can use
talents through voluntary work.
I have spent many hours using my skills to help
others and although I rarely received financial payment I have benefitted
from a great use of free time, met many interesting people and added to my
skill base- so if you your first response is, ‘why allow yourself to be taken
advantage of,’ I will reply, ‘life is a learning experience and my knowledge and
circles have been enriched.’ There are some lessons in life that cannot be
taught, they have to be learned through experience so that when we need them we
are ready. Nothing happens by accident – years ago I day-dreamed, seeing myself
interviewing people; something I started to do years ago for Its Braap and now I present The Chill
Out Zone with DJ Freestyle, an extension of skills arising through natural opportunity.
Always give thanks for your talents daily, list them, see what new
directions you may be able to pursue; Life is pretty amazing and rewarding when
you follow your own flow!
Jaz McKenzie
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