All About You — Day 20: Your Gift to the World
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[For “Day 19: Your Dream Job/Career,” click here.]
ALL ABOUT YOU — DAY 20:
YOUR GIFT TO THE WORLD
Now that you have a pretty good idea of who you are (Days 2 to 10 of this “All About You!” series) and what you want out of life (Days 11 to 20, including this one), you should also know your interests, skills, and talents: Your unique gift to the world.
If you’re still not sure, here is one last brainstorming exercise to help you figure out exactly what your gifts are. Then, next time, we’re moving on to Part Three of this “All About You!” series, which focuses on the question of how to make your wonderful dreams come true!
BRAINSTORMING EXERCISE
1. Preparation
Clear your mind of all other thoughts. If stray thoughts not related to this exercise wander into your mind, let them drift right back out of your mind without paying any special attention to it. (If you think it’s something important that you’re afraid to forget later, just jot it down quickly and let it out of your thoughts again.)
2. Let it All Flow Freely
Use paper or the computer. Whatever is more comfortable for you. Jot down or type everything. Don’t cross out or delete anything (even if you suspect you might have already recorded it). Don’t reread your answers either (or check if you already recorded it) because doing so will break the flow. Just keep going. Ask yourself the question repeatedly and write down every answer that pops into your mind.
Complete this sentence: “My gift to the world is my …”
- a. Stay in the Present
There are probably hundreds of possible answers to this question. I list below the ones that immediately came to my mind as the answers that different people might come up with. Don’t judge yourself based on your own answers. That’s not the point of this exercise. The words you choose are merely clues to help you see and start to understand the bigger picture of who you are right now, right here—as well as who you no longer are or who you would like to be but have not become yet.
- b. Possible Answers
children
students
friends
mentees
trainees
animals
plants
books
movies
music
art
crafts
designs
buildings
instruments
tools
lyrics
compositions
colors
shapes
thoughts
ideas
insights
feelings
experiences
knowledge
beliefs
jokes
sense of humor
musings
opinions
wisdom
genius
skills
style
fashion
records
recordings
poems
essays
articles
diaries
memoirs
comments
quotes
sayings
stories
memories
interpretations
points of view
twist on things
world view
uniqueness
sculptures
figurines
pottery
furniture
paintings
etchings
illustrations
cartoons
drawings
doodles
drafts
notes
outlines
photographs
film
tape
slides
images
negatives
photo albums
srapbooks
inventions
intentions
kindness
tenderness
forgiveness
understanding
generosity
empathy
sympathy
compassion
passion
honesty
sincerity
caring
wanting to make a difference
trying to make a difference
doing my best
never giving up
volunteer work
hope
faith
charity
donations
help
tips
advice
comfort
acceptance
love
joy
cheer
goodwill
teamwork
cooperation
leadership
inspiration
motivation
benevolence
excitement
enthusiasm
exuberance
abundance
optimism
courage
dreams
mistakes
defeats
failures
successes
triumphs
victories
heart
mind
time
life
TO BE CONTINUED …
This is going to be an adventurous journey into our past, present, and future lives. None of us can be prepared for what we might find along the way. So, just sit back and enjoy the ride! Also, I hope at least some of you brave souls will share your answers, insights, and revelations in the comments below for everyone’s benefit!
When you’re done, collect your answers and keep them in a safe place. I recommend a diary. It makes a precious gift to someone you love, especially you!
[For “Day 21: Fire Your Devil’s Advocate,” click here.]
[For entire “All About You!” series, click here.]
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[For “10 Reasons to Keep a Diary,” click here.]
[For “20 Questions for Your Diary,” click here.]
[For “Requests for Cuckoo in Your Nest!,” click here.]
[For “How to Be an Extrovert,” click here.]
[For “My 10 Commandments,” click here.]
[For “Fan Your Inner Flame Till It Burns Bright,” click here.]
[For “Change Your Mindset to Change Your Life,” click here.]
