After publishing my first book last year I joined numerous writers forums and Facebook pages. It is a humbling experience to see how many gifted, yet unknown individuals are among these groups.
Some write so well that you are drawn into another time, another place as an observer watching the most intimate details of the characters as their story develops. Reading the last page is like saying goodbye to a dear friend. That is a gift, to tell a story that brings to life the characters within.
Others write poetry that touches the heart and opens the mind, while others are so multi-talented you are left in awe.
The people you remember most from your childhood probably shared a gift with you, the favorite teacher that opened your mind, a family member that taught you to cook, fish, enjoy nature. All of these were gifts shared.
Some are blessed with gifts that will move millions, others may only touch a few but the main thing is they are sharing their gift and they need to keep sharing.
There are many talented, gifted authors out there struggling to get noticed amidst the sea of other’s just like them. It can be overwhelming and daunting to say the least. It surprises me to see negative comments directed towards some that I consider quite good. Not negative in a helping, learning way, just negative. I only hope they don’t allow the negative to stop them from sharing their gift. Unfortunately there are just some people out their who like to jab at others for no reason. Everyone appreciates constructive criticism but some comments are just unnecessary and are done more out of malice than enlightenment. We should encourage others to share and grow their gift.
When reader contacts a writer and says, “Your book moved me” or “That was enlightening” that is a gift given and returned.
Embrace your gift, share your gift, and rejoice in other’s gifts. Just remember that not everyone will appreciate your gift and that’s alright because the ones that need your gift will appreciate it.
Everyone has a gift and for those who doubt, think about this. How do we know when someone has a gift? The answer for me is when the sharing of that gift gives other’s pleasure. A gift does not inflict pain but brings light, hope, laughter, knowledge to those that observe. Makes them laugh, cry, think, feel, the emotions that make us human and can enrich our own gift.
If you can’t find your gift maybe you are looking too hard at yourself, focusing more on others brings out our own gifts. Ask your friends what they think your gift is, I am sure you will be surprised to find your gifts are many.
A gift is of no benefit if we do not share it, Einstein enlightened minds, Mother Theresa shared compassion, Dr. Alexander Fleming gave us penicillin, Lucille Ball gave us laughter and on and on so many have shared their gifts. They enlightened us, entertained us and enriched us.
So remember if only one person says they received a benefit from your gift it was a gift well shared. Don’t be afraid of failure, someone out there is waiting to share in your gift so never give up. The more we try the more we grow and improve. Cast the negative to one side and concentrate on the positive. Behind every successful person is a string of failures but they never gave up on sharing their gift.
So share your gift what ever it may be, whether you write, sing, dance, paint, draw, educate or entertain.
Each day is a new day and someone out there needs your gift.
