January 20, 2024

Hello friends,

We’ve thought a lot this year about how we’d like to change and grow, but I’d like to spend a little time thinking today about what our strengths are.

I was thinking about this partially because I am planning a retreat for our non-profit where we think about what direction we want to go in the future and how we want to support each other. One of the discussions/writing prompts I’ve been thinking about asking is “What gifts do you want to share?” and also “What would you like to learn from others in the group?” or “What skills do others have that you you are grateful for in this group?”

I am still working on the wording and format, but what I’m trying to get at is that sometimes we can be blind to our own gifts and what people appreciate about us. For example, one of my friends is amazing at finding things on buy nothing facebook groups. I always miss the listings, but she has found amazing carpets and other items for me that would normally be super expensive. It is a skill I’ve been super grateful for, but when we were talking about ways to help each other non-monetarily, she didn’t think about mentioning this until I brought it up. That is why I want to ask not just what we think we can give, but also what other skills and talents we recognize in each other (of course without the expectation or demand that those skills and talents are actually shared, purely as a way to help each other see ourselves more clearly).

It made me think about what the other skills, talents, and experiences that I might not be remembering that has been really helpful to others are, especially when it comes to how support others with non-monetary mutual support. I think advice is a really good example of that and it shows what other people recognize you as an expert in.

So take 5-15 minutes and write about

What advice are you asked for?

I hope that reflecting on what advice you are asked for has helped you recognize the gifts you have.

Your friend,
Laura