What if you approached each situation in life as a gift. Either it brings joy or learning.

Gift – a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.

Today’s word is Gift, and it is natural to think of the material things others have freely given us in our lives.  But the Gift I would like to raise awareness of and bring into your consciousness is the greatest gift we are given at birth, and that is this life.  We can live free and create our lives into anything we choose to make it.  The choice is to think with a small mind, worry about what others think, fall into line, and never reach for what you want.

Or you can evaluate what you want and need and take the chance to pursue it—ignoring the call to be content with the existence of comfort and pure entertainment.   Bring into your consciousness the Gift that life is and the ability to make it whatever you want it to be. This Gift comes into focus with your thoughts, words, and actions today.

Life is a Limited Showing

One of the things that makes this life most valuable is the inevitable ending we are all headed for eventually.  From our birth and the giving of this Gift to our inevitable death, the book we choose to write is not totally within our control, but our reactions and actions are.  It is the limit of time that adds value to our choices.  There are talent and desire within us all to create the best version of ourselves.  But it isn’t easy because we have to choose to pursue our better selves.  As the sands in our hourglass slowly move from the top half of unlimited possibility into the bottom receptacle of fate and finality. Yet many people live with blinders on, ignoring their mortality and the urgency in life.

We are inundated with small mind programming from birth, and it serves as an obstacle to becoming the best version of ourselves. We get trapped in fear. Fear of being hurt or the fear of being thought foolish, or the fear of failure, or the fear of criticism of all kinds. The Gift we were given goes down the path of passive living, looking for momentary experiences that serve to distract us from the potential we were given, and it slowly slips away.  What have you done today to develop your Gift? Do you even know it is there anymore?  We only have a small opportunity to sing our song or dance our dance.  Please don’t waste it wallowing in the safety and doldrums of mediocrity.

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To do this, you have to become good at moving through the minefields of life.  We have to endure the negativity of others and still look at the Gift of potential that we were given and value it with all that we have.  The injuries we suffer through loss and disappointment cause us to shy away from taking chances, from showing our true selves to others.  It is a dangerous proposition because you could and probably will be rejected by some. They are seeking to limit you because if you create and succeed with your Gift, it shows that they could be great too if only they had the guts to try. That realization causes people to knock everyone else down.

Ignore this type of behavior and see how far you can rise.  We are in control of how much we respond to the negative. Watch your thoughts, words, and actions. Are you wasting time on gossip? Are you talking negatively about others? Are you satisfied being what others want you to be?  Are you pursuing and using your Gift?  We all have to find our path through the difficulties fate puts in our way. These situations are as good or bad as we choose to see them. Every case is an opportunity for growth leading you closer to using your Gift of potential.

Simple but Difficult

So how do we get to the point we are using our Gift? It is simple and, of course, challenging. All lessons worth learning seems to be that way.  It starts with a focus on the present moment. That is all we are guaranteed. Life can end at any second. Focusing on the past is a gone trap and isn’t coming back. Even gentle, sweet memories are a trap.  Focusing on the future is a trap. Plan for the future, but the focus needs to be now. The only thing we are sure to have.

This focus needs to be on the thoughts we choose to entertain. Are they helpful? Do they build you up? Are they negative or positive? Positive reviews move you forward; negative thoughts move you back.  Appreciate what you have in a day and look for those good things. They are there every second. People who guide and help you. Experiences that teach you lessons. Your ability to help others and be kind or give to someone. All of this is in you and enhances your existence. Nobody can say any different because that would be a lie.

If your thoughts are focused on the moment when your words and actions will follow and do positive things, if you can’t do any good for others, at least don’t take anything away from them. Allow others to develop their Gift of potential.  If you see someone pursuing their dream, respect it. Even if you don’t understand it, appreciate it. Their journey is for them, and yours is for you. Be conscious today of all the people you see who are pursuing their gifts and be supportive of them.

Choosing to endure the slings and arrows of life and still strive to become your best or choosing to hide in fear is the real adventure of life. We are all making the same choices. Everybody.  Understanding this will allow you to be more tolerant of others, but most importantly, if you have the courage, your Gift of potential will be on its way to being fulfilled.    It all starts with a definite focus on your thoughts, words, and actions today.

What would your life look like if you focused on developing your gifts? 

“The purpose in life is to find your gift, and the meaning of life is giving it away.”

“Everyone has unique gifts and talents. What you love is what you’re gifted at. To be completely happy, to live a completely fulfilled life, you have to do what you love.” – Barbara Sher

“I believe God has put gifts and talents and ability on the inside of every one of us. When you develop that, and you believe in yourself, and you believe you’re a person of influence and a person of purpose, I believe you can rise out of any situation.” -Joel Osteen

“Anyone who develops their true talents and gifts will become a valuable commodity in the world.”