(Photo credit: Peter J. Hughes)
Now is the time more than ever to share your gifts with the world. We are being called to bring forth that which is unique to us: our authentic expression.
There is no one else on this planet like you. You're it when it comes to the skill sets, talents, and gifts you have to offer. You may be resisting this with the belief that there are already too many other people doing what you do.
Well here's the scoop: You don't have a monopoly on what you do, but you do have a responsibility to express your authentic version of it.
Here's why: Your authentic self is where your true diversity lies and your true power resides.
Whatever it is that lights you up, know that there are a group of people in the world who only resonate with what you have to offer and are waiting for it!
When you refuse to share what makes you glow, you are literally robbing others of the beneficial experience awaiting them.
Your light is contagious and causes an exponential positive effect!
Here's a picture that made me exclaim out loud. It's called Sunrise on Ice.
(Photo credit: Teri K. Miller)
Now I've seen other photos of sunrises and ice, but this one inspired a "WOW!" from me. It made me feel happy, one with nature, and simply in awe.
As a result, I was emitting a higher vibration to everyone I was in contact with that day.
Another example is a painting of a mule deer. Again, I've seen plenty of paintings of mule deer, but this one made me stop in my tracks. I could feel him (or her) looking right through me.
(Photo credit: JD Hannah)
The artist, JD Hannah, also teaches classes, inspiring the authentic expression of the participants to come out and play. More than creating a painting, they actually discover something beautiful about themselves -- a reunion with their authentic self -- causing them to shine a little brighter as they proceed to go out into the world.
Here are some mittens my friend, Becky, made and gave to me and my two daughters. I've seen these elsewhere, but something about these pulled on my heart strings.
(Photo credit: Laura DiMinno)
I was at Becky's house one day when I noticed her dining room table was covered with scraps of sweaters, a sewing machine, scissors, buttons and thread. She couldn't wait to show me what she and her family were creating.
Becky gathered old sweaters once worn by her father and late mother. Her husband, Prassana, designed a website for which their daughter, Sami, created the logo. Their other daughter, Gabi, helped with cutting out the pieces, and Becky's mother-in-law, Achie, once a talented seamstress, reactivated her gift, pouring love into every stitch.
Each family member literally brought love to the table in creating these mittens.
They sold like hotcakes and still are.
I can only imagine the comfort, warmth and love the recipients feel. I know I do.
Here's another example of someone sharing their gift and the effect it had on me.
(Photo credit: Sheryl Funakoshi)
This is my daughter, Melanie, and when she was little and nervous before a talent show performance, I'd acknowledge the butterflies and then remind her that she was sharing her gift with the audience. Being that she loves to share, this resonated with her and she's been sharing ever since.
As a result, many people's hearts, including mine, have been stirred, causing smiles, tears, appreciation and awe. The love that comes through this talent renders me speechless.
This cup of coffee made my day! The barista swirled a heart in it just for me.
(Photo credit: Laura DiMinno)
I've had many hearts swirled in my coffee, however, this one on this particular day really made me smile! I can still remember where I was, who I was with, and how I was feeling. So incredibly happy!
There are plenty of people in the world who take pictures, create paintings, make mittens, sing songs and make coffee, and it was the authentic expressions of these particular souls that resonated with mine.
As a result, I was uplifted and carried a smile in my heart, which in turn, uplifted others causing their hearts to smile and so on and so on...all because my fellow humans chose to share their gifts.
So, no matter what it is that you love to do -- the list is endless! -- honor it, listen to it, do it and put it forth into the world! It's essential. You never know who you're going to inspire.
I'lI leave you to reflect...
(Photo credit: Teri K. Miller)
This is called Reflections on Bear Creek