[2021-11-30] Your gifts

Years ago, a former boss described me as organized, identifying it as one of my most notable strengths. His observation surprised me, as I didn't think that my organizational skills were any greater than those of other people.

It is all too common to discount our strengths, assuming that everyone else has those same qualities, and to overemphasize our weaknesses, thinking that we'll never be as good as others.

I recently had a conversation with someone who felt that they would never achieve what others had accomplished and that other people were much more talented than they were. In acknowledging their concerns, I noted how easy it is for all of us—myself included—to downplay our strengths and exaggerate our weaknesses. I then started listing some of this person's best qualities.

I decided to share some of my friend's attributes as a way of prompting Jenesis readers to reflect on what they bring to the world. Perhaps you display some of these same qualities.

My friend, you are:
  1. Complimentary. You make other people's day by the nice things you say to them.
  2. Validating. You respect when people are having a rotten day and commiserate with them rather than offer solutions.
  3. Appreciative. You thank people for the gifts they give you and let them know that you're happy to have them in your life.
  4. In touch with your priorities. You pick up your work each morning, commit to it all day, and then put it down so that you can focus on other things.
  5. Respectful of the planet. You make choices that are good for the earth even when they cost more or are less convenient than the alternatives.
  6. Thrifty. You follow the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.
  7. Choosy. You're comfortable trying new things, and you're not afraid to let them go if they don't suit you.
  8. Kind and compassionate. You care about others—how they feel, what they think, and whether they recognize their value.
  9. Authentic. You are who you present yourself to be.
  10. Aware of what re-energizes you. You know what contributes to and what detracts from your mental health.
  11. Diligent. You do the important things well, especially when they're for someone else.
  12. Giving. You give from the heart, not with an expectation of receiving something in return.
  13. Reliable. You follow through on your commitments.
  14. Respectful. You respect others, appreciating the dignity of all people.
  15. Intelligent. You make connections between things that others do not see. You remember details that others forget.
  16. Grounded. You do not believe that you are better than others.
  17. Interesting and interested. You talk about ideas and issues that are of interest to others and listen to others discuss their passions.
  18. Articulate. You speak and write with clarity.
  19. Humble. You don't seek attention or to make your presence noticed.
  20. Self-aware. You understand, better than most, the qualities you're trying to cultivate in yourself.
  21. Someone who hears. You don't simply listen to people, you hear them—you seek to understand where they are coming from.
  22. Creative. You write, you bake, you design—you see possibilities.
  23. Good at expressing your reality. You have learned how to present your perspective in a way that doesn't take away from others' realities.
  24. Friendly. You are open and welcoming to strangers.
  25. A person of character. You have a strong sense of values and behave ethically in everything you do.
  26. Analytical. You understand how systems work and how to use them.
  27. Musical. You hear things in music that others didn't realize were there.
  28. Loyal. You are committed to friends, family, bosses, colleagues and your team.
  29. Fair. You give others their due while expecting the same in return.
  30. Honest. You express your truth.
  31. Practical. You seek simple solutions when that is what's warranted.
  32. Someone who gets things done. You bring others back to next steps. You focus on progress not perfection.
  33. Wise. You are wise beyond your years.

I leave you all with this quote by Marie Forleo:

Never underestimate the power of your voice, your perspective, your uniqueness. That inexplicably divine cocktail of skills, perspectives, strengths and quirks is a one-time event in the Universe. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another you. So yes, you matter. And yes, the world really does need that special gift that only you have.

You matter.