Have you thought about your talents and gifts? The things that you're naturally good at doing or have specifically trained during your life? It's a good idea to make an inventory and keep them in mind as much as possible. The knowledge that we've gathered and the skills that we've developed are essential for harnessing the possibilities coming our way as well as overcoming the challenges that we might face along the road.
I've always been good with words and my voice is pretty powerful both for speaking and singing. I do photography, draw and design on various programs, including AutoCAD, although it's been a while since I used it professionally; I carve stones regularly, and also wood sometimes. I'm also really good at listening, particularly after I worked on my capacity for silence, and I have a quick, hearty laughter whose blessings can't be overlooked. I'm generally good company, in fact, even in my worst moments decades ago, much more so now. Additionally, I have the tools of my spiritual practice and a trove of information on the topic of self-awareness. I'm a quick learner and I've prepared myself to avoid judgment as much as I'm able, so it's easy for me to build connections and access new places.
I recently came to the conclusion that one of my best qualities is my trustworthiness. I've a knack for noticing when I might be breaching someone's boundaries and stop myself, which I've improved considerably in the past few years. I find this especially useful with women, most of whom have had to face difficult situations with men disrespecting their limits. I don't interrupt when someone's talking, don't engage in physical contact unless expressly allowed to and never gossip for any reason. Similarly, I don't share intimate information I've been given, regardless of whether I keep in touch with the people who confided in me or not. This has two major effects: I always get greater access into any circles and I'm never pulled into dramas. Since I'm well aware of my emotions, I rarely ever get angry or annoyed; my life is pretty stress-free so I can provide others with a sense of calm just by being present, and I think that's kind of a superpower.
If I were oblivious to these things or did them mechanically, I couldn't summon them at will when the context requires it. Actually, I may not even realize that they're useful in any given context and thus, I'd miss opportunities, mismanage my energy, squander my assets and probably screw up my social interactions too. I used to experience all of that regularly and I see it constantly in others. We waste so much potential arguing, struggling, laboring under assumptions, judging, all the while ignoring our virtues and the virtues of the world around us.
Don't let cynicism or pessimism get in your way when you want to do something wonderful. Do it, it'll return to you. If you want to do some good, go ahead and do it. Make a list of the ways you can improve or sustain your surroundings, the quality of life of your fellow humans and other creatures, the cleanliness of the environment not just from material pollutants but also ill will and resentments. Connect this with your best traits, your abilities and strengths. Grow increasingly aware of the things you don't like so much about yourself so you can offset them with appropriate changes in your patterns. As the Rune below says, the more beauty we let in, the more beauty we attract.
We have all of these qualities to share, with which we can build something worthwhile, meaningful and lasting, but we're often distracted by all sorts of restricting beliefs and stubborn opinions, as well as good old misinformation, self-delusion and trauma. Fortunately, there are many ways that we can regain contact with all of these aspects of ourselves so we can wield them efficiently, productively and much more lovingly toward supporting a better reality. These gifts are ours to identify and evolve, but they're also a service that we can perform for others, so let's do it!
Rune of the Day: Gebo
Manifest what you desire truthfully, do not squander your gifts, you have much to offer to the world and you are repaid with the same energy that you provide. How do disdain, condescension and pessimism help you achieve your aspirations? Weave meaning into every relationship and activity, build purposefully, with dedication. Find gratitude in your heart for all that you have, starting with your own body, mind and spirit; accept your situation and absorb the information that you are given, you could gain access to resources that you have ignored thus far. The more open you are to the beauty around you, the more beauty you will attract; if you surround yourself with fences, you may keep away much more than you intended. Every choice is made in the Present, what do you want to do? Where do you want to go?
