Gift of Expertise

Each of us is gifted with certain talents. Your talents look different from mine and this is part of the beauty of expertise. We all have those certain things that come easily for us. Maybe we don’t even consider them talents because they feel so natural. Hopefully, we find ourselves using our talents to earn a living or to enjoy specific things in our free time.

A third rewarding way to utilize our talents and expertise is through volunteering. Helping others is one of those gifts in life where you often get back more than you give. Do you volunteer? If you do, you know what I’m talking about.

Think about your own “super powers”. How could you use those powers to serve others?

• If you can cook – you could volunteer at a shelter
• If you have handyman skills – you could help build a Habitat Home
• If you garden – you could donate your excess produce or teach others how to grow their own food
• If you are good with money – you could teach kids money skills in school or volunteer on a non-profit board
• If you love sports – you could coach a kid’s sports team
• If you enjoy the elderly – you could volunteer at a nursing home
• If you love animals – you could help out at the Humane Society or local pound

The possibilities are endless. In the words of the immortal William Shakespeare:
          The meaning of life is to find your gift.
           The purpose of life is to give it away.

Most volunteers go quietly about their business with the sole purpose of helping others. They don’t do it for the recognition or any personal gain. Sometimes they volunteer as a way to pass the time, but just as often, volunteers are people who make time to share their gifts with the world. Volunteers have big hearts.

I love programs in school that encourage kids to volunteer. It gives them the opportunity to experience all the unexpected side benefits of helping others. Volunteering can help you feel healthier, boost your mood, lower your stress and allow you to feel gratitude for all the blessings in your own life.

It can be as simple as watching for ways to help someone else, even when they don’t ask for help. Maybe you can shovel your elderly neighbor’s driveway or mow their grass when you are out doing your own.

Where can you make an impact?

Life offers us an amazing number of gifts. Sharing our time and talents with others is one of those special gifts that help the one giving as much as it helps the one receiving.
 
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!  Kim