KNOW YOUR 'G.I.F.T.S.'

Below is an excerpt from my first book 'Choices--The Power Is Within You.' This is from the chapter entitled: Know Your 'G.I.F.T.S.'


Part of knowing what route to take in life consists of knowing exactly what it is you would like to do in life or how you would like to make a positive impact on mankind. What talents or 'gifts' do you have?  I have an acronym for the word GIFTS. Gifts are Intended For Talents to Succeed. Gifts are talents that we've always possessed but may not have taken the time to pursue. It is the thing or things we would do all day until our hearts are content. It is the areas where we exhibit a natural talent at accomplishing, sometimes with very little effort. Some refer to them as 'hidden talents,' not because we are inhibited in exhibiting them, but because we limit ourselves in utilizing them.

Perhaps we've been erroneously told we can't make a living at the thing we truly love to do. Perhaps we've told ourselves we aren't really exceptional when it comes to our skills. Perhaps we've simply never dreamed or aspired to reach higher levels of achievement in the areas of our gifts. Whatever the reason, begin to analyze what talents and gifts you currently possess. What were the reasons you chose not to pursue this avenue? Don't let the fear of not being able to make a sufficient or heaven forbid, even a profitable living from your talent deter you from pursuing or enhancing it.

Check out career opportunities at local universities and community colleges near you. Speak with career counselors to assist you in discovering what areas you can best utilize your gifts and talents. Just because you may not be aware of a career path doesn't mean it doesn't exist! Expand your thinking and conduct a Google search in your areas of interest to see what ideas you can generate to move you along in your desired goals. Become creative when thinking of new and innovative ways in which you can exhibit, display and market your talent or ideas. Develop positive ways that you can contribute to companies, individuals, organizations and/or communities that may benefit from your skills. Our gifts, our talents, are wonderful opportunities for us to share ourselves with mankind in positive ways.

Remember that gifts or what you have a talent for, need not be exhibited on a global scale in order for us to show our appreciation. There are cases when people utilize and exhibit their gifts or talents in the form of hobbies. Perhaps they are happy with the type of career they've chosen and use their gift to be creative for family members, friends or neighbors. The person that loves to tend a vegetable or flower garden and share the harvest with others comes to mind in this case. The piano teacher that donates time giving discounted or free lessons to area children or the singer that performs at local weddings and events are examples of people giving of themselves through their gifts. Decide today to recognize your unique gifts and talents!

*The Value of A Gift Is Not Found In It's Price! 
                                              Swahili Proverb




Known as the 'From Goal-Setting to Goal GETTING' coach, Sherry Brantley is a Certified Life Coach and Certified Professional Coach specializing in assisting people in reaching their goals. Whether writing books related to personal growth such as 'STEPP-How To Create Positive Change In Your Life,' or her fictional trilogy of work 'Best of Friends,' which garnered National Recognition for 'Best Fiction Of The Year,' Sherry is sure to incorporate thought-provoking ideals and concepts which readers are able to connect to in order to increase their understanding of their own Spiritual growth, determine what they'd like to achieve in life and develop a road-map to get there! 

www.steppbook.com

www.sherrybrantley.com

www.inspirationalvoice.com

S.T.E.P.P:  Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!

'REASONS' VS. 'EXCUSES'

There is a big difference between having a reason and making an excuse. I know. At one time, I was a BIG one for making excuses. They included: 'I am a female. I am African-American. I am from the inner-city of Detroit. I am divorced. I am now a single parent of three young girls. I am homeless. I feel alone. I didn't complete my degree at Wayne State University.'

Of course, I didn't see these as excuses at first. They seemed like reasons to me. Spiritually, I knew I was a powerful person. I knew that there was much more to my life and the lives of others as I began my inner search. By now, you may have grasped the concept that a spiritual search indicates in itself that it must start from within. You cannot locate your spirituality in someone else, nor can you locate it 'outside' of yourself. It is an inner search. A search that has taught me so much during my lifetime that even now, as I write about it, I realize that had I not actually gone through my own inner search, I would not have felt it would have been possible for me to do some of the things I have been able to accomplish.

What is the difference between reasons and excuses? An excuse is what we use when we fall short of something, do not meet a goal, didn't meet up to our responsibilities or someone else's expectations of us. It doesn't explain the true why--it simply says something didn't work out as expected or planned. A reason, however is valid. It explains the true why of a situation, is specific and detailed and it holds dignity in the validity of it! For example, if you were expected somewhere but didn't show up--an excuse could be any of the following: 'I just washed my hair, (It could have been washed earlier or later, depending upon the time) I had nothing to wear, (usually you're aware of a special event before it occurs, hence you could prepare something to wear, buy something, have a garment cleaned and returned, etc) or an excuse could be a flippant, 'something else came up.' (something else always comes up when we really don't want to do a particular thing in the first place!)

However, if you take the same circumstance of not showing up somewhere within a specific time frame and apply a reason to it, it would validate your not being able to make it to a specific event. A reason could be: I was hospitalized or in the emergency room with my kids/parents/friend/spouse, etc.  You certainly couldn't have made it in that situation! You do have other obligations at times in life and being there for family and friends when they truly need you may be one of them. Or you may simply have changed your mind about attending an event--and that is a reason in and of itself.

In short, excuses have 'holes' in them. We can always shoot them down and we usually do. This is why you will hear people say: "What's your excuse this time?" Or, "I don't want to hear any excuses." They're worthless to even listen to. But when someone is coming to you in the right way, in a truthful way, in a valid way, you're more prone to ask: "What was the reason you couldn't make it?" Not what was your excuse.  You will also notice the 'reason' question gets asked of the most responsible people. The people not coming with a bagful of excuses trying to figure out which one to use. 

The point here is this: When it comes to dealing with the Spirit, we don't have any reasons why we don't heed it's word--we only have excuses. We have reasons in the physical world, because we are physical beings. Needless to say, this imposes specific limitations on us due to our physical capabilities. We couldn't sprout wings to fly no matter how positive thinking we become. But the Spirit world works with us through our spiritual capabilities. So when our Spirit instructs us on what to do, or how to do something, It is already aware that we are physically capable of doing a thing or It would not request it of us.  Do not be afraid of where your Spirit takes you, or the longings you have to pursue your dreams, fulfill your desires and create the life you want. The resources that are needed for you to succeed in your endeavors are already here, in this time and space for you. All that is required is that you truly begin to believe in that which you truly want to receive!


Personal Power can be utilized on a daily basis to manifest what you'd like to create in YOUR life!

Sherry Brantley is an Author, Speaker and Trainer. She is  the Owner of S.T.E.P.P. Its Mission Statement: To assist people to make positive choices in their lives on a daily basis to effect positive change by tapping into and utilizing their Personal Power while accepting and respecting the Personal Power of others.  

www.inspirationalvoice.com
S.T.E.P.P:  Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!'

DO YOU LISTEN AS WELL AS YOU HEAR?

There were times when revelations and clarifications of Universal Principles were made known to me at what I thought were the most inopportune times. I soon learned that it doesn't matter where we are, what types of activity we are engaged in, or the company we're with when being engaged in any activity, the Spirit can and will direct us towards a way that we can make a conscious decision/choice to remove ourselves as delicately as possible should we choose to act at that time.

The Spirit always speaks to us. But if you are not aware of this or not listening, you will not know. For example, if the ringer on your phone is broken, but the actual phone is working, you will simply be unaware that someone is calling you. This does not mean no one is calling--simply that you cannot hear it, and you are still able to use the phone to call out! Likewise, because we, for whatever reason,  are not hearing the Spirit does not mean the Spirit does not call out to us. We still call out to it, but if we are not receptive to it, we may not hear it when it speaks. All of us are always called to fulfill our purpose, our passion in life. Do you want to continue being a 'phone whose ringer doesn't work' when your still, inner voice calls out to you? Or do you choose to have all of your 'working parts' receptive to the words of your Spirit and the purpose you came here to fulfill?

Yes, there have been times when I didn't want to face the truths that were being told to me spiritually and I struggled like hell to do what I wanted to do and made excuses why I didn't listen. During those times it was revealed to me there is a definite difference between an excuse and a reason. (See the following post 'Reasons Vs. Excuses' which details the difference between the two)

With my understanding of the difference between the two, I no longer use excuses in my daily interaction with others, and I simply give valid reasons for my actions. If I feel the occasion calls for it, I may clarify my position or stance on an issue and allow my reasoning to stand on its own merit. You'd be amazed at the positive impact living a life of authenticity can bring to you and all those you come into contact with. Not interested in attending an event that you've been invited to? Unable to travel to a wedding out of town due to your time constraints or financial commitments?  Not looking forward to going to yet another event that simply does not resonate with you? A simple, yet firm, powerful and respectful 'No,' will empower you to live your life on your terms while respecting the person that is so graciously extending the invite to you.

Free yourself to begin to experience you in all of your passion, your glory and the totality of what you envision for yourself! Let your 'Yes' resonate with you fully, but also stand firm on the 'No's' you give in life. Allow your inner, still small voice to guide you to experience that which you have come to partake in, and in doing so, you'll free those around you to make the choices that are necessary in their lives to do the same. Whether they make the same or similar choice is not your concern. After all, the only person that can truly change your life--is YOU!


Personal Power can be utilized on a daily basis to manifest what you'd like to create in YOUR life!

**The following post 'Reasons' Vs. 'Excuses,'  details the differences between the two words.  

Sherry Brantley is an Author, Speaker and Trainer. She is  the Owner of S.T.E.P.P. Mission Statement: To assist people to make positive choices in their lives on a daily basis to effect positive change by tapping into and utilizing their Personal Power while accepting and respecting the Personal Power of others.  

www.inspirationalvoice.com
S.T.E.P.P: Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!'

TAPPING INTO YOUR PERSONAL POWER!

As previously posted,  this is the third of a 3-part series focusing on your Personal Power and how utilizing it can have a lasting, permanent, positive impact in your life--and the lives of those around you.  *This section of  the Personal Power series are excerpts from my first book, 'Choices--The Power is Within You.'  

As a reminder, Personal Power is a literal, spiritual power we all possess.  It is possible to utilize this very powerful source in your life on a daily basis without being aware of the origin of  'The Force,' and many throughout history have done just that. Not being able to explain what drives or motivates them to higher heights but being steadfast in their own personal journeys nonetheless. To begin to tap into your Personal Power you must of course, be willing to have a shift in your current stream of consciousness to know that it is indeed a force that is simply awaiting your command. Your Personal Power is waiting to be tried--not denied! :)  As you begin to 'conceive differently--you will receive differently!'  That which you focus on will begin to be manifested in and around you in abundant measures. 

You need only to look within and never without. Your Personal Power is there. It has always been there. It is used in a loving, respectful way in the realization that we are all spiritually connected. No person that is spiritually aware of the Universal oneness we all share, would dare attack any part or portion of 'their body' with the intention of destroying or maiming another. Yet everyday, that is exactly what we do to one another. We attack one another physically in the form of wars, sexual assaults and the abuse and neglect of our children. We attack one another economically by denying jobs, housing and education to specific targeted groups. We attack ourselves financially by living beyond our means and obtaining unneccessary credit, and we attack others financially by not repaying our loans or outstanding debts. 

Once we really understand the Universe certainly gives out to us what we have given, we no longer act in negative ways. Once we truly realize that any attack on any one of our spiritual siblings is indeed, an attack on ourselves--since it will be meted back out to us, we no longer respond in that manner. Once we understand that acting negatively towards one another in any capacity, contributes to the downfall of the whole of society destroying ourselves in the process, we no longer hold to our old beliefs, misperceptions and concepts, and we begin to embrace ones based on precepts of love, respect and empowerment of all things good. 

There is no need to go anywhere to begin your journey--except to go within. This is not as difficult as you may believe. Choose a time to spend with yourself--for yourself. A place and a time where there will be no interruptions. No cell phone use during that time--meaning it should be muted or turned off. No TV, computer, or thoughts of bills running through your mind. No place for current modern-day interruptions to disturb you as you sit quietly, feeling and concentrating on taking deep, relaxing breaths. It may feel awkard, silly or a waste of time in the beginning if you are not used to taking time out for self, but as with anything, the more you do it in a focused, calm, quiet environment, the more you'll become at ease with it and the sooner you'll be able to derive the benefits of recharging yourself--mentally, physically and more importantly, Spiritually!

Personal Power can be utilized on a daily basis to manifest what you'd like to create in YOUR life!

Sherry Brantley is an Author, Speaker and Trainer. She is  the Owner of S.T.E.P.P. Mission Statement: To assist people to make positive choices in their lives on a daily basis to effect positive change by tapping into and utilizing their Personal Power while accepting and respecting the Personal Power of others.  

www.inspirationalvoice.com
S.T.E.P.P: Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!'

'STEPP' UP TO YOU!

Welcome to my S.T.E.P.P. Blog!   S.T.E.P.P. is an acronym for  my speaking business which stands for: Start To Exercise Personal Power!

The information I am sharing in the first postings of my blog will include excerpts from my first book, 'Choices--The Power Is Within You'. This is the first of a 3-part blog focusing on your Personal Power and how utilizing it can have a lasting, permanent, positive impact in your life--and the lives of those around you.

What is Personal Power and how do we go about 'tapping into it?'  Personal Power is an innate Power derived directly from your Spirit, that gently guides and steers you towards your purpose, your passion and the gifts you have that you would like to offer to others. It is a power that is personal to each and every one of us. Although it is derived from the same source and we all share it in equal amounts, we do not all use it in equal amounts! It is manifested in each of us in a unique way. Not just through the individual talents and gifts we were all given, but in our very thoughts, perceptions and understandings of the world around us. Unique in our passions and our creativity. Our belief systems. Our longings. Our desires. Unique in the many different ways in which we utilize our talents and gifts.

Some of us express this Power through our musical and/or other artistic talents. For example, many of us have enjoyed the pianist who was able to play in such a way that made our Spirits soar, heard the singer that moved us to tears of joy or sorrow, or witnessed the dancer that seems to move as one with the Universe--in smooth, fluid movements.

The passion and commitment that some people exhibit in their careers, on the job, with their families and throughout their lives on a daily basis is a testament of how some of us are choosing to utilize this very powerful, very spiritual force. The leaders that have taken a stand for righteousness by peaceful methods against all odds and yet, maintain a thirst that refuses to be quenched until they've reached their goal. The teacher that believed in someone--when no one else would, by refusing to accept what others said or thought--until that person ultimately began to believe in themselves as well. Parents that continue to struggle on a daily basis to ensure a better life for their children. These are all examples of people who have recognized, visualized and began utilizing their own Personal Power.

Personal Power can be utilized on a daily basis to manifest what you'd like to create in YOUR life!

 **This is the 1st of a 3-part series in relation to utilizing your Personal Power!



Sherry Brantley is an Author, Speaker and Trainer. She is  the Owner of S.T.E.P.P. Mission Statement: To assist people to make positive choices in their lives on a daily basis to effect positive change by tapping into and utilizing their Personal Power while accepting and respecting the Personal Power of others.  

www.inspirationalvoice.com
S.T.E.P.P: Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!'