Discovering our innate gifts

I've been thinking a lot these last few weeks about gifts. Not the kind wrapped under a Christmas tree, I mean our intrinsic gifts -- the unique and beautiful aspects of who we are.

Thinking of ourselves as bearers of gifts can be uncomfortable. We are taught to be complimentary but shy away from self-recognition of talent or positive praise. Yet there is beauty in self-awareness, in knowing the glorious parts of your being. When we are aware of our gifts we shine brighter and can help others do the same.

As complex and multifaceted beings we are not confined to a single gift. We are abundant with strengths, talents, and gifts. But, you might be asking, what is an example of an innate or intrinsic gift?

Think about what you write in a genuine birthday card. Perhaps you compliment your friend's positive aura that helps uplift those around them. Maybe you notice their great memory and eye for detail and how much you appreciate that they remember your favorite flowers. You could admire their ability to listen without judgment or appreicate their contagious laughter.

Positivity, deeply seeing people for who they are, and attentive listening are a few examples of gifts we often admire in others. Confidence to speak one's truth, humility to admit one's mistakes and embrace learning, and leading by example are other examples of inherent gifts.

Thinking about how you feel seen, loved, and appreciated by others as well as how you see and love others is a great way to start a practice of acknowledging our gifts. We can abandon the idea of our worth being rooted in what we do and produce. Instead, when we focus on our innate gifts we know that our value lies in our energy, our being, the way we live.

I've been lucky to have spent time this past year in Spain and Mexico and though the countries are very different, I noticed a strong similarity in how people get to know each other. While "What do you do?" is a common get-to-know-you question in the United States, I found a more common question in Spain and Mexico was "What do you like to do?" This is a great example of shifting our thinking to center our joy and sense of self. When we do this we de-escalate self-doubt and comparison and take comfort in knowing that our unique being is a wonderful gift.

I love the questions "What do you like to do?" and "What brings you joy?" These questions bring us closer to seeing our natural gifts and strengths. Our gifts are tied up in our joy, in our peace, in our energy. Our energy matters. Our passions matter.

An offering for how you might tap into your gifts

If you are feeling inspired but are still wondering HOW to tap into your gifts here are a few ideas. Sit down with a pen and page, rest your back against a wall or tree and close your eyes, walk outside with headphones, or find another way to relax.

Write, create a voice note to yourself as you walk, or start a meditative internal dialogue where you can remember some of your recent favorite interactions with family, friends, or even strangers. Maybe you think of a deep teary-eyed conversation or a crazy fun night dancing when you felt wild and free. You might

remember a compliment from someone

who passed you by or an unexpected call

from a long-time friend that made you smile.

Wonder

What made those memories stick out? How did you feel? How do you think you made the other person feel? What kind of energy do you tend to give to others (remember this can and will be multifaceted!)

Express

Knowing that nobody else will read or hear your thoughts, let yourself speak the highest of yourself. Write or say what you love about yourself and the energy you omit. Maybe even draw it. You could use colors or symbols that you associate with yourself.

Ask and listen

Maybe you prefer to not dive internally just yet. Sometimes our best lens inward is through people outside of ourselves, especially if we tend to be self-critical. Try asking people you trust "What things do you love about me?" See what arises. Feel it all. Maybe you'll inspire them to want to ask the same of you. No matter what this question is sure to bring deep connection and help illuminate how others see and appreciate you.

Part of my hope with Rewilding Child is to inspire a community of people who want to grow, connect, and live with intention. I believe each of us is a gift. We share our laughter and vulnerability, our warmth and wisdom. Our gifts are intrinsic-- they cannot be taken. Our gifts are a part of us, they are us. We are gifts to the world. The more we love ourselves, the more we can blossom and shine.

I love you all.

Ava//

Rewilding Child