Own It - I'm Talented Ya'll

I've been thinking about the next evolution in the Own It, Work It, Love It series and I kept getting blocked by a post that I needed to write.  I started it last night and now that I started it, I seem to be able to think more clearly.

The post is about jealousy.  Not mine, but being the target of others.  Which oddly enough, gave way to inspiring this next exercise.  This definitely falls into the OWN IT category.

I have been given many gifts and talents in my life.  I think sometimes we all look at the talents that others have and wish we could do that.  However, we all have been given talents that are uniquely our own.

I am going to list my talents and what they mean to me, and then I would like all my Smackers, who are up for the challenge to take a good look inside themselves and OWN their talents and be appreciative for them.  Whatever they may be.

1.)  I am a writer.  I have been as long as I can remember.  It just comes easily to me.  I remember a poem assignment in high school.  I had a teacher who was hands down the biggest bitch on the planet.  I wrote a poem for this assignment and turned it in.  A few days later she asked me to come to her desk after class.  She asked me where I got the poem.  I looked at her like she was an idiot (I was a teenager after all).  She asked again, "Where did you get this?"  I retorted, "I wrote it.  It came from my brain, went through my pen, onto my paper.  I WROTE IT!"  Unable to find it anywhere, she begrudgingly gave me a "B" on it when she returned it to me weeks later.  She was certain there was no way a high school student could have written it.  I am thankful for this gift.

2.)  I can create anything in the kitchen.  I am a masterful cook.  I love this form of expression.  It allows me to share my talents daily with my family and others.  It is a joy for me and I feel "at home" in the kitchen.

3.)  I can draw.  I can play almost any instrument I pick up.  Not well mind you but I can.  I can sing.  I used to write songs, but usually just for myself.

4.)  I have the unique ability to help others see the big picture.  I have been blessed with or cursed with empathy and the ability to see everyone's stake in any situation. I listen.  I assess.  I advise while helping others see how their decisions and actions will affect those they love and care about.  *sigh*  This is sometimes a heavy responsibility.

The thing about your gifts is, if you sit them on a shelf and don't use them, you lose them.  The more you use them and share them, the stronger they become.  It's easy to be self conscience about your talents.  It's easy to hoard them and keep them safely tucked away.  However, I've learned there is great joy in sharing with the world.

What are your gifts?  I challenge you to write your OWN IT post.  Dust those talents off.  Give them a polish and work them.  It's rewarding!

It's your turn Smackers.  Own your talents.  I will link everyone up as I did with the original!  Now get to sharing!!