Sometimes, when we are experiencing financial difficulties we can begin
to feel that our own gifts, which have little to do with money, have
also become devalued. At times like this it is not uncommon to see
people abandon their gifts or life’s passion as being too “frivolous” or
unimportant.
In a world that revolves around money and commerce, it is all too easy
to become seduced by the notion that the only contributions we make to
the world that matter are economic ones. But it’s not true.
No doubt, we all need to earn enough money to support our families and
take care of our financial needs and responsibilities. And, it may also
be true that many of the things we love to do can be challenging to
make a living at but…that should not keep us from doing them.
If we abandon our gifts and our dreams there can be unexpected
side effects. Clients who come to me after years of not expressing their
gifts often feel depressed, less vital, or without a sense of purpose
in their lives. These feelings cannot be
suppressed indefinitely and sometimes they can create real life consequences
that can effect our health or relationships.
So, regardless of your financial circumstances, I strongly encourage
you to continue to express your gifts purposefully and passionately,
even if you never make money doing so. Your unique gifts and talents
are how you express the Divine Spirit within you. These are God’s gifts to us that we are given unconditionally and asked to express unconditionally.
No matter what financial hardships you may be undergoing, it is very
important that you acknowledge that you and your gifts are valuable.
When you value and express your gifts freely and without attachment to
a monetary outcome, you will feel better about yourself and feel more
energized and enlivened. Then, with this renewed energy, you can move
forward to focus on revitalizing your career and improving your
financial circumstances and perhaps, along the way, someone may hire you
to do what you love. If not, it’s still a blessing to have a job that
supports you and your family while you continue to express your gifts,
whenever and however you can.
Hold on to your dreams!
The greatest tragedy in life is not death;
the greatest tragedy takes place
when our talents and capabilities are underutilized
and allowed to rust while we are living.
~ Amma
posted June 14, 2009 at 3:26 am
thank you for this belief letter..this is so true…these are my words to express also…i have been putting my dreams and talents on hold…i raised my sons and have been married for 25 yrs this year and my first born is getting married this year, and i have kind of felt lately that i am losing some of my cravings of expression of my talents…..aaaahhhhh….so thank you
i am going to do alot of inner work with myself, and reveal my talents
thank you thank you
posted June 14, 2009 at 8:33 am
just what I needed…the pile of bills on my desk is still there, yes I am employed if only part time but this morning I can appreciate that this situation allows me to write-I just now have to embrace the moment
posted June 14, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I dream of working in career counseling. I am currently on disability for multiple sclerosis and a multitude of chronic illnesses. I resently had weight loss surgery and my illnesses are already beginning to correct themselves. I am getting ready to go to work in career counseling for the impoverished. Education is costing me alot of money but it is worth every penny because by satisfying my dreams I will help others satisfy their dreams. I believe the best way an impoverished person can make money is to do what they dream of doing and I believe God will make a way for them to do it. My education stimulates me. I believe others education and careers can stimulate them. I am grateful to the Lord for putting me on this path.
posted June 15, 2009 at 2:59 am
I guess I’m the opposite. I usually get paid for what I love to do. I am a photographer and a Realtor, I love both, here lately I can’t seem to either one to pay me. Deals keep falling through! I feel like I need to find another job not sure what else I could do. I used to be a dental assistant, but the thought of my hands in someone elses mouth gags me now and the thought of working for someone else scares me… I’m so used to getting paid for what I love to do! I feel like I never work because I enjoy my work so much.. now I feel like I need to go find work doing something that is not so fun..frustrating…Thank you for your encouragement..I’m just gonna keep on trusting God for all of my needs.
posted June 15, 2009 at 6:54 am
Dreams don’t die…people stop dreaming!!
posted June 15, 2009 at 7:14 am
Could you do photography &/or reality in another situation such as teaching? Maybe you could write a book that has alot of glossy pictures in it. There are other situations where you could do these two things. Please don’t give up on your dream career without a fight!
posted June 15, 2009 at 9:47 am
You’re so right that everything “seems” to revolve around money. It’s crazy really – and we’ve told ourselves for so long that making money is an indicator of self worth, success, etc.
Thanks for pointing out a little reality and adding some much needed clarity. I remember how I have felt when truly expressing my gift – and I’ve never felt better!!!
Now to have the faith to keep dreaming!
posted June 15, 2009 at 10:43 am
I work at this job that is very stressful and my dream is opening up a bakery in my town when i bake it seems to relax me. i’m not giving up i’m praying about it and maybe one day my dream will come true. Pray for me that one day it will come true God Bless You Marilyn
posted June 15, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Very inspiring indeed
posted June 15, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Seeing The World Through The Eyes of God by Michael Jones at Barnesand Noble.com
posted June 19, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thank you for posting this. I needed to hear this. My dream is to make a living doing music. I am older and people feel that I should just give up. It is not like I have not had some successes. I have had songs placed on artists that got deals but they did not last. I have been focusing on making a living doing other freelance work and it has been challenging to keep finances coming in to pay bills much less finance music. I am believing God will make a way for both and the right situation will come along and someone would like to hear my music. Thank you for the reminder.