A gift can also be defined as a person’s natural talent or ability. Each individual has their own unique capabilities that they are able to bring into any environment. You are born with a natural ability to do something. In which others say you are gifted to do a particular task. This may include, but is not limited to art, sports, cooking, leadership, business, and more. Some people are born with multiple gifts. The holidays are the perfect time of the year to share your gifts with others. 

Be intentional in the moments you intend to create during the holiday season. Set aside time to get feedback from those closest to you about the things they enjoy doing during the holidays. Refrain from focusing on putting on a facade of perfectionism. Where the focal point of your holiday celebrations are on the perfect matching decorations and pajamas. However, there is nothing wrong with the concept. The issues arise when the main focus is on staging the picture-perfect event. Instead of creating memories, no camera could truly capture the essence of within an image. When you shift your intentions to creating memories with family, your holiday season is sure to be full of joy!

The act of over-giving is compulsively giving too much even at the expense of your own resources and well being. This act may or may not be asked for by the recipient of the gifts. These efforts are made with the expectation of receiving something or a gesture in return. Boundaries and self-respect are often not held in any regard. You give and give in the hopes of being accepted and affirmed by others. However, your efforts are rarely reciprocated sufficiently, because your true intentions are not revealed when giving. This is due to the underlying lack of self-worth. You feel as if your worth is found in how you give. Based upon the true intent of the act of over-giving. It is imperative to find your identity outside of how you give to others.

Find ways to go out of your way to be grateful. Allow joy to be your choice for the rest of the year. Despite the obstacles you’ve had to overcome in your healing journey this year, you can still choose joy. Making the decision to be joyful and grateful, does not mean that there is an absence of difficulties. However, it is instead an indicator of your ability to control your emotions. Therefore, displaying your emotional intelligence and thus revealing your true level of growth. Your healing is not just for yourself. It will also affect your family and friends. So why not choose this holiday season to show them how grateful you are for having them in your life. Life does not always have to be doom and gloom, nor do you need to focus on the negative in order to heal. You can have a life full of gratitude and joy!

Change is essential for your growth. Nothing in life can progress without change. Regardless of how difficult transitions may be. It is essential to shift when your life demands it. As there will be circumstances that require a level of flexibility in order for you to continue to advance.  These changes may include adjusting to a new schedule, balancing a new workload, and/or acclimating to new environments. When your life is headed in a new direction, things may change suddenly. Therefore, being able to accept change will transform your life in marvelous ways. Your ability to adjust quickly will determine how fast you are able to grow. 

We were meant to live for so much more than just working a 9 to 5 hours at job or being in relationships. Your life has a purpose. When GOD created you, He placed His purpose inside of you. GOD has a plan for your life. This is why you long for more and are never satisfied in life. You may find yourself feeling frustrated and overwhelmed or bored with the mundane task of everyday life. This is confirmation that your purpose is calling you to step into and pursue the goals necessary for you to succeed.

“It’s interesting because I never dreamed of being a writer, let alone an author. Until, one day GOD instructed me to stop being so devoted to writing “dissertations” on social media, lol. HE needed me to start focusing on my healing journey. In the process of my healing, I started writing the steps I was taking to heal from the years of trauma I survived. 

It was tedious and intricate in the writing style that I used. Due to the fact, that I was literally researching topics to learn more about myself. I discovered the ways my brain had been wired to remain in dysfunctional cycles which was prolonging my healing. The knowledge I gained empowered me to begin the transformation process of my healing. As a result, my writings started to heal me.

Oftentimes, I was alone while writing. The silence allowed for me to focus on essentially becoming whole. The absence of distractions revealed a level of growth that I did not know I could achieve. I realized I had the power to transform my life through my writing. This is how I became an author.”- Laurie Pinkins, Author of Turn the Page: 7- Step Guide to Heal from Depression

When change occurs you may want to resist the adjustments required. However, it is essential to acclimate to the shifts necessary for your growth.  Resisting change is what brings prolonged pain to the inevitable modifications that you will need to make. Your continued advancement in life requires a level of flexibility for the transitions necessary for your development. Allow yourself time to assimilate to the adjustments required for your shift. During your moments of reflection, say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new season in your life. For your best days are ahead of you. 

Sometimes we get bogged down with the day-to-day task of working at 9 to 5, being a mom and a wife. We don’t have time to enjoy simple hobbies or have a moment of rest during the week. However, this summer offered an opportunity to vacation and relax with, yourself and family.

It is important to take time to reflect on the things you found enjoyment with, and what brought you the most joy. Did you pick up a new habit of cooking, new, recipes, painting, or putting puzzles together? Did you get involved in more volunteer activities and learn more about your community? Or did you visit your local farmers market weekly? Reflecting on the things that bring you enjoyment. 

You have exactly what it takes already inside of you to accomplish your purpose.  You are born with GOD-given talents and gifts. The key is to use your GOD given gifts to advance the Kingdom of GOD. This is why it is imperative for you to seek the resources necessary for you to grow in your gifts. 

When you are seeking the purpose for your life, other people may be aware of who you are, before you come into the full knowledge of your gifts. Someone with ill intentions may notice your gifts and ask you to come work for them in order for your light to shine in their establishment. Be mindful to seek GOD-centered mentors, coaches and other resources to improve your gifts. If there are no GOD-centered resources available in your area, always be prayerful about where you choose to be educated. You can also look for online resources.