That was then.
Remember when you were pulling your hair out because the house was a disaster? Kid’s stuff was EVERYWHERE, the loud music, the arguing, the relentless laundry, and dishes, cooking yet another meal? It seemed like that time would never end… you were waiting for calm, peace, and order.
This is now.
But now you have that… The kids are more independent. They’re not reliant on you for their every need. They can drive, they can vote, they’re busy doing their own things.
And there you are– standing in the midst of emptiness. Missing the chaos. Missing even the laundry.
Everyone has moved on, and you are left behind. What are you supposed to do? Wait for grandchildren?
Uncover Your Greatest Gifts
Every single person is put here on this planet for a purpose. Everyone has a path. For women especially, you take a detour from your path to raise your kids. It’s the most worthwhile gift you have to give the world at that time. Once you have effectively launched your kids, then what? Where do you turn now for your fulfillment?
Where do your strengths and the world’s greatest needs meet?
Finding your sweet spot, your Golden Gift to give the world, can be challenging. You can do many different things well. The question is: where do you focus your energies to maximize the gifts you have?
Many women downplay the concept of “gifts.” They don’t understand that the skills they have are different from other people. They don’t realize what they have is special. It’s the problem I call, “Insider Blindness”– from the inside, you can’t see how your gifts are special, and unique to just you. You downplay your gifts and think anybody can do what you do.
But the truth is– your gifts are uniquely yours. You have to recognize those gifts, acknowledge them, then figure out how to use them the way you are meant to use them.
Hey! They talked about it in the Bible!
Just as the wealthy man who was going on a long journey gave each of his servants different amounts of Talons to manage in his absence, (Mark 25:14-30), you too have been given gifts to manage. Unless you use your gifts, they will become worthless over time. The more you use your gifts, the more they will grow and enrich you and the world.
Why did the third servant bury his Talons? Out of fear. Out of fear of taking a risk and losing everything. When you let fear rule you, you lose out.
Your gifts are meant to be used so they can grow. When you bury your gift, they lose their power and worth. When you use your gift, it grows and you flourish.
Your Challenge
Your challenge is to uncover your gift and figure out how to use it to best serve the world. You can do this by examining your past to see where you felt most fulfilled– and follow the thread!
Once you uncover your gift, your path will grow in clarity.
Help in Challenging Times
A New Irish Bakery
My good friend Caroline Johnston has uncovered her gift and is following her new path. She has opened an Irish Bakery in Washington DC. I just ordered a box of her special cookies. If you’re craving delicious cookies, you can order from Caroline’s website, Green Island Bakery. Also, please tell your friends and family in the Washington DC area that there’s a new bakery in town!
Exercise at Home with a Community
If you are looking for a great group to support your exercise routine, please join the Palo Alto and San Mateo Bar Method group. My sister Noreen would be honored to help you conquer any issues with COVID bum, or Zoom hips, or Binge Gut. Sign up for monthly memberships to get Bar Method online. She has lots of class times available that you can do from your own home! Check her out here.
Dress Better Every Day and FEEL BETTER!
If you are looking to spruce up your wardrobe, Danielle’s Boutique on Union Street is OPEN and would love to help you discover beautiful unique clothes. Danielle offers lovely clothes from different high-quality vendors, especially Italian and French brands. If you love quality clothes and shoes and don’t want to look like you walked out of Target, you’ll LOVE the fabulous cashmere sweaters. Her shoes are super comfy as well. And she carries skirts that have POCKETS. Follow her on Instagram @shopdaniellesf to see her latest treats. She would love to send you a box of goodies to choose from which I adore because that way I don’t get distracted… You can call her at 415-447-7779 or if you live in San Francisco, she’s at 2278 Union Street.
Small businesses need all of our support!
Once they are gone… they are gone.
Be a part of the solution.
Best,
Alicia
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