Who do you think you are?

That’s what I thought when I first wrestled with the idea that people “needed me” to be my best. It didn’t seem that way, as my community bustled along without much trouble and I hid under my covers in perpetual shame. I was always making mistakes and everyone else did just fine. There are billions of people on the planet. How could I be so special?

Now that I am fully committed to being my best and offering what I am every day, I see the overwhelming need every day. There is a real purpose to living out my  best life out loud, speaking my truth courageously and giving what I have until I’m sure I won’t have anything left. We have lost our way, as we strive to fit into ordinary.

Know this: You are special. You were born for a reason. And you have gifts that will change the lives of those around you. Make sure you watch this video, describing 9 types of gifts and figure out which describes you. It’s not going to be easy, but if you remember the guideline below, there will never be a shortage of opportunities to serve.

• You don’t need to be perfect.

It’s probably worse now than ever, the need to “get it right,” but when it comes to the gifts of your best life, you don’t need to be perfect. Perfection will keep you from acting. Your job is to identify and then master your gifts and mastery only comes through repeated action.

Of course I want you to be thoughtful about how you encourage your friend or the ways you can inspire others through your words and action. But don’t let those thoughts hold you back. There are too many people and too many needs to restrict those beautiful gifts. We need to get to work!

• They might not get it.

This season of political correctness has held back the natural flow of our gifts out to our community. You want to offer help but what if they aren’t ready to hear your truth. What if you offer someone the resources you have and you only insult them? There is always the possibility your intended receiver doesn’t fully understand the power of your gift. And while I don’t want you to drive through your community like a mack truck, part of the privilege of having a gift is the knowledge of the timing and process. Trust your instincts—they are part of the gift that is you.

• You might not see the results until later.

Or at all. Your best life is most certainly not about ego. You can feel it, can’t you? When someone is helping you for the benefit of their own psyche? They aren’t happy unless you are outwardly grateful, unless they can see some sort of difference in your life. Even if the actions  look exactly the same, the energy of honestly and authentically giving of your yourself infinitely more powerful then when you give with the ulterior motive of lifting yourself up. Simply doing good is part of your best life. It brings you joy and it makes your community better. Consistent actions create results.

• You always had it.

You might be someone who really isn’t sure what your gifts are and you aren’t convinced you have them at all. Trust me, you have them. You are truly a gift for this world. You have a purpose and your best life will come alive through that purpose. Some gifts are meant of the stage and others are behind-the-scenes, but no matter the attention and accolades some receive, we all have something important to offer our community. You always had it and it will never go away. The question is, will you step into action and courageously give of yourself?

• You can aspire to other things.

Even if you are naturally an encourager, it doesn’t mean you aren’t someone who can learn to tell the truth. In a way, we all possess the seeds of these gifts, some just come more naturally than others. Choose an area you want to improve in and aspire to become better in that area. It makes you better in every way.

• You can’t be afraid.

There are so many reasons not to act in benevolence but the primary barrier is fear. You worry you will run out of energy or resources.You worry you will be misunderstood or someone might think you are acting high and mighty. The truth is, all those things might happen, but nothing lasts for very long. It’s worth, the joy of offering the gift of you to those around you, and makes anything difficult you might have to endure a small price to pay for making the world around you a better place to be.

I’m so excited to be part of your life and support you as you see the gifts that are you. Remember, you are special, you are necessary and you are irreplaceable. Everywhere around you, you will see people who need you. Don’t hold back and don’t be afraid. Your best life will rise up to support you, every step of the way.

Do you want to join the 100 day journey to your best life? Just click on the image below and get started. A truly inspired community is waiting!