Do you bake the best cookies? Can you do math in your head? Are you compassionate? An artist? An engineer? A loving friend? You are probably many wonderful things, some of which you only sheepishly share.
How could that be?
What would compel you to hide your light under a bushel?
Maybe you were shot down during childhood when you sang for a part in the school musical. Or you flubbed a presentation. Perhaps someone told you that you could never do X, Y, or Z and you believed it. Whatever the cause of your unwillingness to shine, whether outright derision or a more subtle lack of encouragement, it doesn’t serve you to hoard your talents and abilities.
Sharing who you are enriches everyone. Whether it’s your smile, sense of humor, or budgetary skills, you offer something that can enhance the world. You may never know the effect you have, as even the recipients of your largesse may not be aware of the gifts they have received.
Not only does hiding your unique gifts impoverish others, it diminishes you. You miss out on the joy of sharing, the uplifting feeling of making a difference, and the self-improvement that naturally comes from practicing what you do best.
At what do you excel? Think about it. Go through your history, from childhood to now, and ask yourself what you truly enjoyed. Many people naturally love what they do well. Write down as many things as you can recall.
Once you have made a list, ask yourself how freely you share those passions and talents. One of the most fulfilling ways we can connect with others is to give what we do best. Are you a great hugger? Hug more people! Are you the best physicist? Share what you love about science and inspire others to see its beauty. Love to meditate? Join a mediation group.
It doesn’t matter how you bring your gifts to light; it matters that you do.
It doesn’t matter how you bring your gifts to light; it matters that you do.
Another way people hide their light is by stockpiling all the compliments they never shared. How many times have you thought:
He looks especially vibrant or handsome today.
I love how she can fix anything.
That was such a delicious dinner.
They are so thoughtful, kind, considerate, smart, intuitive, sensitive, funny, hard-working, generous, etc.
Conversely, it’s important to be able to take a compliment. Why? Because graciously accepting praise makes someone else feel as if his or her opinion and feedback count.
When in doubt, you can always resort to smiling. Simply smiling at someone will change your brain chemistry and the other person’s day.
Appreciating each other and sharing our gifts can and will make the world a better place. It feels so good and life-affirming, too.
Come out from under that bushel and let your light shine.
© Copyright 2015 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved. Permission to publish granted by Nicole S. Urdang, MS, NCC, DHM, Holistic Psychotherapy Topic Expert Contributor
The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.
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