“Not using your talents is an act of ingratitude.” – Holiday Mathis
My husband was telling me that he read an article that stated that Thanksgiving is quickly becoming America’s favorite holiday. He said that the article suggested this is because Thanksgiving is less commercialized than other holidays, and it is focused on gratitude. It always feels good to feel gratitude. It always feels good to be reminded of all of the plenty and abundance in our lives. When people list what they are grateful for the common lists seem to be: family, friends, home, health, food, pets, savings, etc. That’s why when I read the above quote this morning, it gave me pause. If someone were sitting around the Thanksgiving table and they started spouting how thankful they were for their intelligence, their creativity, their physical prowess, their beautiful singing voice, their gardening skills etc. we might think to ourselves, “How arrogant!”, but yet, we all benefit when people use their talents to the best of their abilities. Our Thanksgiving feasts are delicious because talented cooks came up with the recipes. We are entertained Thanksgiving Day by the talented singers and dancers and musicians and float creators that start with the Macy’s Day parade. We often watch amazing athletes later that day, playing football and other sports. Many of us went to go see Wicked over the weekend (my daughter and I among them) and besides the incredible actors, the talent that went into making that movie from the writers, to the special effects people, to the directors, etc. etc. is a list as long as the credits that are played at the end of each film which we see.
I often would spout to my children, “Actions speak louder than words.” Gratitude is an action. When we are grateful to be alive, our actions reflect this. When we are grateful to be able to do, and to enjoy the things that come naturally to us, we are giving ourselves (and the world) the gift of gratitude in action. When we squander our gifts and talents, that is like throwing a present away in the face of the Bestower. Don’t be humble. Be thankful. Share your gifts with the world. They are singular. No one does anything like you do it, and no one will ever do things exactly like you do them, again. Don’t cheat yourself. Don’t cheat us. The opposite of today’s quote is: “Using your talents, is an act of gratitude.” Today, be your gratitude.
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
You gave me a giggle this morning…citing that the list of talented people who worked on a movie is as long as the credits…girlfriend, those ARE the credits! But I got your drift, and you’re right – every one of those people contributed to the success or failure of the film by using their God-given talents (or not, if the film is a flop!)
I am so grateful to have discovered my talent and had the guts to embrace it and stay with it through thick and thin. Things got a bit dicey financially earlier this year, and I was on the verge of looking for a “real job.” That would have relegated writing to the status of a “side gig.” But I truly believe that what I’m doing is my purpose in this life and that the Universe will provide. And it has. I’m writing my fourth memoir with a lovely client who enthusiastically supports my work, and I have another client under contract for the first of the year. I feel like I’ve been blessed beyond measure to be doing what I was put on this earth to do. Not everyone can say that.
I was at a family wedding last weekend and was introduced to people I didn’t know. They reacted with awe when informed that I am a writer (most people seem to have that response, which also makes me giggle because it’s not like I’m an astronaut or something!) But for once, I didn’t downplay my talent. I owned it. It felt strange because our generation has been taught not to brag. But I wasn’t bragging, just stating the facts about what I’ve done. I slipped a little by stating that writing comes naturally to me (as though I haven’t worked very hard to improve my skills!) Owning my accomplishments without hesitation is my new goal for 2025!
Hi Kelly A! How have you been?
I always sit through ALL the credits–much to the chagrin of the people I go with–because those people ARE IMPORTANT and need to have audiences read their names! My daughter does that now too, even when I’m not with her. Makes me proud. Haha.
It means so much to people to have their contributions acknowledged. I love that you and your daughter do this, Gail! <3
Kelly, this is outstanding! Thank you for taking the time to share your writing talents on this blog! <3
“Using your talents is an act of gratitude.” LOVE THAT, Kelly.
Thank you, Gail.