If you thought I dropped off the grid, well, it’s true. I went to an amazing women’s retreat last weekend and learned so much to share with you. But first – this #31daystohappy post wasn’t on my original schedule, but nothing else is coming out coherently. Hopefully these thoughts and this activity will give you an edge on reaching your goals. It’s made a big difference in my house! If you’re just discovering my #31daystohappy project, you can find out more about it here and get started on your own journey here.
In our last post, we rediscovered our talents. I’d love for you to own yours in the comments of this post. When you look at your list, how often do you do the things you are good at? A tremendous amount of self-love and self-trust depends on putting those talents to use. In its wisdom, the Bible shares the story of the talents. Short version? Those who put their talents to use grow them and those who hide theirs end up with none. Real life is just like this.
For several years now & for some unbeknownst reason (humility? insecurity? fear of judgement?) my talents have lived on a shelf. I used to sing, but my sheet music has been in the basement – for three years! I used to sew and quilt fearlessly, but somewhere I began following trends instead of using my own ideas. There are so many different ways to hide your talents. Do likes on IG determine what you share and how you share it? Do you see gorgeous photos and wish you were good at xyz instead? All of this takes a toll. The less I used my talents, the less I trusted they even existed. The less I trusted they existed, the more anxiety I felt about using them. It became a vicious cycle.
I’ve always valued my talent for writing. A few months ago, I went back and read my early family blog and LOVED how I wrote then. When did I stop expressing myself naturally and replaced my gift with a haphazard, sloppy mess? And why?
This project strengthens my love for this skill. I’ve gained confidence through exercising my writing skills which empowered me to tackle other things (like sharing tutorials & writing cute little patterns like this little pincushion – it’s free!).
I’ve even felt the confidence to run my shop the way I’ve always wanted to run it (if you shop from us, hopefully you’ve noticed a difference! if not, just you wait!) and not the way I had allowed it to become. Allowing my talents the time and exercise they need makes each day more positive and fulfilling. It defeats anxiety by building self-confidence. You’ll find a deep assurance that you are capable of tackling your days with style & grace. I’ve felt new confidence to tackle other, harder things and it keeps my mind engaged with something besides worrying.
Prompt #25 – #31daystohappy
Go through your list from the last prompt. How can you incorporate the things you are good at into your life in a more meaningful manner?
This has been a game changer. I’d love to he
ar about your talents. This weekend I asked a few women what their talents were. More than one answered back with things she wasn’t good at. Ladies, friends, this has to STOP. Be proud of your gifts. Share them with humility and love. How can we be the ‘change we want to see in the world’ if we put all of our assets on lockdown?!
I know it’s a lot in this age of many blogs, but (pretty please!) will you leave me a comment telling me which talent you can’t wait to put to use? Maybe you make the best mac & cheese for miles around, or perhaps you are great at whipping up a last minute gift? Maybe you’re the person who started that 30-person-long-pay-it-forward at starbucks this week. Whatever it is, whatever you love, please tell me about it! Share your talent here, then start sharing it everywhere.
Thank you for reading!
I am not a doctor and nothing I write here is a substitute for medical advice. If you are suffering from a medical condition, please seek help immediately. For my full disclaimer, please click here
I’ve recently discovered that I love to teach, and I think I’m pretty good at it. And I make a mean to do list. And I kick butt at keeping track of my son’s doctors and upcoming medical procedures. (With 15 specialists at four hospitals in three states that’s no small feat!)
Still working on figuring out how to put the teaching thing to better use. I’m currently teaching an undergrad course, but it’s not a permanent gig.
I’m loving your 31 days! It’s an insane month, so I’ve only been able to participate sporadically but planning to catch up later. Thank you!
I’m going to start making my own clothes again. There!!! I’ve said it ? Now, I just have to get organised! I’ve always made my own clothing & im actually a trained teacher but work, kids & retraining in a completely different field just got in the way. I quilt & will never stop that (I hope!) but I have to tell myself I can still do an awesome job at clothes sewing.
Thank you for the push I needed.
I have a gift of encouragement. It comes from God and I know that it makes a difference when I use it. I always try to encourage in whatever ways I can, but when life overwhelms me it can be hard to see where that encouragement is needed because my focus is elsewhere. I want to try to spot opportunities to use that gift for God more.
You absolutely have a talent for writing. These 31 days posts are so articulate and well expressed. Keep this gift off that shelf!
I was only thinking when you mentioned talents that you can certainly write! And then, thankfully you mentioned it. As my talent, I’m a jack of all trades master of none. I’m not really sure. Maybe you have got me thinking……thanks for the posts btw.
I love to crochet and have recently decided to put this to use crocheting chemo hats for the cancer patients at our local hospital. I wanted something good to come out of something I enjoy.
I started my letter and it ended with things to improve upon! But I am good at self improvement and digging into myself to better who I am. I am good at being a mom, being a creative, teching others, listening and being on time! Thanks again for what you are doing with your gifts!
I am awesome at planning family dinners – it’s one of my favorite things to do all week!
Quilting and baking are my talents…I’m so happy when I’m doing those 2 things. I just emailed today to get on the treat list on Wednesday nights at my church! Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Very insightful about the responses from the people you asked what their talents are! You’re right it has to stop.
The talent I can’t wait to begin using is tutoring. I work full time and it often gets the best of my energy levels. I had a year off when my son was younger and I tutored children at his school who were struggling with reading. I’d like to do that again and add math to the mix. My husband is a social worker working with troubled and abused high schoolers in the school system and I’ve been thinking if I could help there in a meaningful way as so many struggle with academics. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a retirement activity but 60 is just 5 years away. Until that time, my talent to create is something I’d like to spend more time on and it is doable! I’ve kind of lost my mojo the past couple of years but this year it’s been on the upswing.
By the way, I found your mini-quilt tutorial very comforting. When I got the kit, I felt a bit overwhelmed (not sure why other than sewing is not intuitive for me) and I was stunned at how your short video just swept all those feelings away and left me confident I could do it! Thank you!
Great job , Amanda! You’re right-too many of us talk about the things we’re not good at. I think I’m a pretty good sewist (I used that new word) and I can write darn well. I thought I was a good teacher but 3 subjects in 3 years is making me wonder. I like to think I’m a good mom. You might be the best judge of that. Mwah! Loving your #31daystohappy
I am finding myself looking forward to your posts on 31 Days to Happy. Thank you so much for sharing, and talking this through, what a wonderful thing you are doing.
One of my talents is friendship, my best friend Barbara calls me a friend collector. I love people so much, and genuinely want them to be happy, and feel good when they are around me. So, I continue to develop my talent as my life evolves. I am currently working with the youth at church (YW president) and I am loving it! I have also been working at the front desk for my full time job, and try hard to use my talent there. It’s such a good thing to think about this, thank you.
I think talking about our talents feels so foreign because it feels like boasting or gloating. We need to find ways to own our talents and be proud of them without becoming arrogant.
I think perhaps I have a talent for empathy… I’m not sure if it’s a “talent” but I’m good at putting myself in other peoples shoes are trying to see the world from other perspectives. I have a talent for enthusiasm. Again, perhaps not a talent as such, but I feel like part of my purpose is to share the joy and to add life to those moments.
I’m glad you raised this topic.
E xx
Hi, Erin,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree, somewhere in there instead of being able to acknowledge ‘i’m good at this’ we’ve divided things to be either deprecating or boasting. I think the sweet spot is right in the middle 🙂
Thank you very much for reading my blog!
Amanda
I am good at looking at the bright side of things. This is not always easy! Your 31daystohappy has come at a good time for me as I was fired from my longtime job on August 31st. The shock and circumstances of this has knocked me over, and each time I feel strong enough to get up and take a step forward, my former employer does something that knocks me over once again. I know in the long run ending my employment with them will turn out to be a good thing for many reasons. Right now the fear and stress of having absolutely no income and not knowing how this will turn out makes it difficult for me to feel positive about my skills/talents, but I know my optimism is what is keeping me afloat for now.
Okay so it’s taken me this long to do this post. I realize I don’t like the version of my myself, I have in my head. My friends and family see me differently but my view is different. I’ll work on that.
So here are my list of talents and passions. I pulled from my p blessing too. Have you read yours? 1. I’m good a school. In fact I love learning.
2. I’m a great friend.
3. I’m good at making lists and goals, and mostly sticking to them.
4. I’m a great wife.
5. I’m good at being a mom.
6. I’m good at scripture doodling.
7. I love the piano. Music actually.
8. I’m great at service.
9. I’m good at seeing both sides of a situation.
10. I’m strong when Chris is deployed.
11. I have a testimony of a lot of things and share when I can.
12. I’m good at budgeting.
13. I don’t hold grudges with people, for the most part. (There are a couple I need to do those sheets for.) 🙂
14. My lists have to have even numbers or I can’t use numbers on my list. Hahahahaha
I’m sorry I haven’t been commenting. I’ve been reading and check all the time if there’s a new post. This moving stuff is really hard. I’ve forgotten. So I’m thinking I’ll do all of these prompts again when I get settled. Maybe November? Idk. I’ll let you know. But I’m going to keep chugging along now. 🙂
Okay so I look forward to moving because I get a fresh start to be who I want to be. I’m looking forward to having my own area to do my things, like write in my journal, scripture doodles, crafts and maybe even sew quilts again. I want to show my new friends I will make in Vegas, that I’m helpful and nice, I invite everyone to everything and I’m a good listener. Not an interrupter. 🙂