Discovering ones unique gifts

Q: How can I discover my unique gifts? D.J.K. — tech consultant and associate director of Amman Imman: Water is Life

A: This is an essential question. When I work with individuals — both youth and adults—  I am always focused on bearing witness to their unique gifts.  In our personal journeys of expression and fulfillment, we answer this question by living it.  How does one discover, express, and embody one gifts? Here are some avenues of inquiry:

Ask yourself what comes easily to you, that which might be significantly harder for others? This reveals your aptitudes and talents. Sometimes we overlook these because they are so natural to who we are, and may seem ordinary. I urge you to consider what comes effortlessly.  None of us are exactly the same, and we all carry unique perspectives and abilities which bring benefit to ourselves and others.

Secondly, consider what you are passionate about, and have a tendency to focus on without needing to push yourself to do so. What lights you up?  

Related to this is the question of your values — that which is most important to you.  Take some reflective time, and write down your core life values. Finally consider what you are most able to share and help others with.  What would your friends say are your natural strengths?  

In spending time with such inquiries you uncover your unique gifts.  In doing so you will be more prepared to experience and actualize a life direction and purpose, what some call the Ikigai, a Japanese word which means “reason for being.”  The ikigai is the intersection of “that which you love”, “that which you are good at”, “that which the world needs”, and “that which you can be paid for (or offer beneficially as a volunteer).”  This intersection is the gift you bring to the world, which unites your basic talents, your passion, your mission, and your vocation. In fact everyone of us is a gift; we do not have to become famous to prove that.  

When we discover our unique gifts, we help the world come into balance, because we ourselves are coming into alignment with who we truly are, and with the world we are part of.  May this be so.  May you find such alignment in your own life.