Finding Your Gift

The squishy feel of the paint running through your fingers... the bright colors popping off the page... your first creation proudly displayed on the refrigerator. Now think about that report you recently spent days on, the deal you just closed, or the big project you finally finished. When you were done, did you hang your work on the refrigerator? The thought may seem silly to you, but has your need for self-expression changed all that much?

The gift of creativity separates human beings from other animals. In order to feel whole and in balance, you must nurture your creative side. If you don't, you may become susceptible to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction. You may also find yourself attempting to fill this emptiness with food, alcohol or clothing bought on a shopping spree.

Take Ellen, for example. Her administrative position had evolved to include computer graphic design, something she loved. As her department expanded, however, a computer graphics specialist was hired. Ellen had to give up what she felt was the most creative part of her job. Where once she had felt a sense of accomplishment, Ellen began feeling depleted at the end of the day. Confronted by a vague sense of emptiness, she barely had the strength to make dinner and watch television when she got home. Influenced by commercials, Ellen also found herself longing for "a new car", and "a new body" that she thought would make her happy. Ellen was looking for "outside" influences to make her happy, instead of focusing on her own creative gifts found "inside."

Like Ellen, many adults today lack creative outlets and find themselves looking for outside influences that will make them happy. The good news, however, is that everyone has inherent gifts and talents. It's just a matter of discovering those gifts and then unlocking their potential.

Your Journey to Self-Discovery

The following activities can help release your creativity and put you on the road to self-discovery.

1. Explore your routes.

You play a variety of roles each day. When you balance your checkbook, you're a financial manager. When you prepare a meal, you're a chef. These roles may be your route to creative expression. List the many roles you play, both personally and professionally. They might include: artist, buyer, designer, gardener, musician, teacher, athlete, caregiver, event planner, judge, negotiator, writer. Which roles give you the greatest satisfaction? Are there any roles that you'd like to spend more time doing? Put a check mark by your favorites.

2. Check your gauges.

Your gifts are so inherent that you may take them for granted and be unaware of the mastery they give you. Sometimes it takes other people to help you gauge your strengths and abilities. Ask those close to you what skills and talents they see in you. Write or record their comments, then review their feedback. Is there a hidden artist in you? A budding entrepreneur? Also, listen to what people say about you when you don't ask. Do people tell you you're resourceful, funny, organized? Are you nurturing, adventurous, ambitious? Creativity is not limited to singing, dancing and painting. We have many other gifts to find within us. They include: The capacity to wait patiently for insight to emerge. The ability to trust in the outcome of an uncertain process. The courage to take risks under pressure. The capacity to speak the truth even when it's not what people want to hear. A genuine interest in other people.

3. Map out comparisons.

Ellen discovered that she enjoyed her role as a computer graphics designer because it enabled her to express her artistic talents in a way she hadn't been able to do since she was a child. At work, Ellen's friends used words such as "creative" and "visually oriented" to describe her. Not surprisingly, Ellen realized that expressing herself artistically was where she achieved her greatest satisfaction. As you look at the roles that please you the most, what comparisons can you draw to the observations others have made about you? Such comparisons can be very affirming when you're deciding on a skill, hobby or other creative outlet to pursue.

4. Chart your course.

Find ways to do more of the things you love. For example, while Ellen's job no longer requires her to use computer graphics, she has enrolled in a computer course at her community college to build her skills for a possible job change. Energized by her decision, she has started painting as a hobby.
If you like to sing, join a choir. If you want to act, join a community theater group. If you don't feel comfortable " on stage, " volunteer for stage crew. When you apply your true talents, great amounts of satisfaction can be derived from even the simplest things. You won't find yourself with an empty feeling at the end of a long day.

Recognizing your inherent talents is part of the process of realizing who you are and being fully alive. When you learn to express yourself in a creative way, you give yourself the greatest gift of all.

Kathleen Corsetty is a motivational speaker and founder of Healthy Habits of Gaithersburg, Maryland which is the culmination of her 15 years of study and practice in the health and image industries.