I truly believe that everybody has a talent. Every single one of us is born with a unique gift. Some are immediately obvious and widely celebrated.
Incredible singing voices, natural rhythm and charisma on the dance floor, being a talented musician or athlete. Others are quieter and less obvious. But no matter how they present themselves, we are all given gifts for a reason.
For a long time, I downplayed my own gift. In fact, I thought it was quite boring. I still do sometimes. I’m calm, balanced, and a good listener who is naturally solution oriented. I don’t panic. Now let’s be honest, it’s not exactly a gift that’s going to set the world on fire. It’s hardly the stuff of Britain’s Got Talent, and for years I assumed it wasn’t anything particularly special. But with time, I’ve realised how valuable it actually is. Those qualities have helped me navigate life’s ups and downs and, more importantly, have allowed me to support other people when they’ve needed it.
Whereas my singing voice leaves a whole lot to be desired. As anyone who has had the misfortune to hear me belt out a power ballad in the car or attempt karaoke will know. Would I like to have the singing voice of Tina Turner? Of course I would. But I don’t, and there’s no sense in being jealous of the gifts of others. We aren’t all meant to shine in the same way.
I cannot draw to save my life, but one of my favourite TV shows is Portrait Artist of the Year. I cannot sing, but I am endlessly grateful to the people who can. Skills can be taught and learned, so nothing is off limits if you want to try something new. But gifts are the things that come naturally to us. They’re part of who we are. We can sharpen them, nurture them, and become more practised over time, but their starting point always comes from within.
If you have a gift and you know you’re not sharing it, you’re not only denying yourself the pleasure of what comes naturally to you, you’re also denying others the chance to experience it. I’m not suggesting you leave your day job behind to pursue a hidden talent, unless you want to of course. What I am saying is that some things are meant to be enjoyed simply for the love of it.
Imagine a life without art, music, singing, dancing, creativity, storytelling, books, teaching, or shared moments of joy. What a flat, colourless place that would be. Our technicolour world exists because there are people brave enough to share what they’re good at.
Your gift doesn’t have to be academic or traditionally impressive to be of value. You might have green fingers and an effortless ability to nurture plants and create beautiful spaces. You might be a natural baker, feeding people in a way that feels comforting and loving. You might be great at fixing things or have a natural way with children, animals, or the elderly, patient, gentle, and attentive. Or perhaps you’re community-spirited, always checking in, lending a hand, and showing up where you’re needed.
Of course, some people are gifted academically, and that matters too. People who are brilliant with numbers, science, engineering, medicine, languages, or problem solving. These gifts may not always receive the recognition they deserve, but they are vital to every day life.
My dad has an abundance of talents, but one that stands out is his sense of humour. I have never known anyone else remember the number of jokes he can, and he often uses his easy going nature and funny storytelling to make people feel welcome and at ease. To him it’s natural and nothing special, but I see a wonderful gift.
Perhaps it’s the fear of looking like a “show off” that prevents lots of people acknowledging their gift, but for anyone who really doesn’t know what it is, my advice is: Ask yourself, what are you good at? Do you enjoy it and does it feel easy/natural?
If the answer still feels out of reach, ask someone who loves you and knows you well. They often see our strengths long before we learn to claim them ourselves.
Here’s something worth remembering: we can’t all be good at everything, and that’s exactly the point. Life works because we’re able to enjoy and appreciate talents we don’t personally have. And when you allow your greatness to shine, whether quietly or boldly, you don’t just enrich your own life. You make the world a more interesting place too.
Shannon Humphrey is a Youth and Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing Instructor for more information check out www.pathwaysforpositivity.com
Photo: Shutterstock
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