Identity of Gifts

"The greatest gift you can give yourself, is the gift of yourself."  Anonymous

Last week I suggested you identify your gifts. Did you find more than you expected? This week I'd like to look at what makes me- me and what makes you - you. The diversity of each person keeps life interesting, it brings different perspectives to ourselves and to others.

Let's look at what we can identify as the diversity we bring to the community. The best place to start is to identify where you spend your time.

Family - what is your role? Are you the chauffer, the chef, and housekeeper? Are you the one who works long hours and isn't able to contribute very much time to the family? Are you the primary breadwinner or childcare provider? Are you one everyone turns to in crisis and celebration?

Work - what is your role? Certainly it is in your job description but what else do you contribute? Do you lead by quiet example or by leading workshops for other employees? Are you the critical one or the one giving positive praise and feedback? Are you the "face" of your company or do you work quietly in the background?

Community and Neighborhood - do you volunteer at church or in the community? Do you chair a committee or event or are you a dedicated committee member? Are you a friend to your neighbors? Do you know their faces but not their names or do you share a chat while out working in the yard?

Think of other areas where you spend your time and consider what you bring to that area of your life. Write these thoughts in your journal. When you feel unappreciated or that what you are doing is going unnoticed, come back and read what you have written and you will see what a blessing you are to all.