Some of us wish they had courage and beauty of Beyonce, while some of us want to have the moves and rhythms of Shakira. Wishing and desiring is eternal, isn't it? Bold, strong, beautiful, creative and intelligent - this is what we all want to be. So what's the problem? Are we stopping ourselves from becoming our best?
Not enough time? Too tired? Too much work? What else? There is always something in the way between us and our dreams. Is it actually just us, and nothing else?
Summer is a very creative time for me. The most amazing changes and shifts were happening to me this time of the year. 2 years ago I quit my job and went to India to do yoga teacher training and live in the Himalayas. I started to write, blog, run workshops, organize events and coach.
I became a new person when yoga entered my life. But you don't have to become a yoga teacher to experience changes - you can make a big change by taking small steps. But make sure you keep your heart's true desires always at your centre point whatever you do because it is easy to forget them. Remember that it is your dream that keeps you alive.
Like a photographer you need to ask yourself constantly, "What is the focal point in this picture?" The following questions will enhance your understanding of what is it that you want to develop more to maximise joy and fulfilment in your life.
7 questions to ask yourself and check in with your inner talents:
1. Does your home reflect who you truly are? Is it fun? Is it pleasant to be in? Is it full of light? If not, how can you change it? Here lies the talent of acceptance.
True talent here is to feel supported, comfortable in our own skin. Are you? Are you really? To develop it, start affirming that you recognize the abundance in your life and that your needs are always met. Because they are! Whatever is not yet met, maybe, is not what you need right now. It is thinking that makes us feel needy.
2. What sacrifices do you make to suit others? Do you think you sacrifice a lot? Dysfunctional relationships are toxic to our bodies. Try to say 'no' next time. Don't explain. Here lies our talent of creative living with our partners. Also try to respect cycles and rhythms of your body: yin and yang sides, hectic and calm periods.
3. What are you afraid of? Loosing control? Loosing security? Or, getting too bored? Talent of personal power and determination is at the core of a successful life. Start treating yourself with honour and you will notice how your personal power will get stronger. Say, time and time again, that you are the best mother; that you are the best friend you can be!
4. How much do you feel connected with others?Talent to be loved and loving is magnificent when opened and shared with others. Haven't you felt how amazing it is to sing 'Happy Birthday to you' in a group of relatives and friends, how heart-opening the afternoon teas are, how joyful summer picnics are?
Expressing your love is so easy: cook, draw, write, or exercise together!
5. How strong, do you think, is your voice?Talent of speaking up for yourself is a worthy one to have in your toolbox. Are you looking for opportunities where you can express and share your ideas and business concepts?
To discover the power of your voice, try singing or reciting a poem in the bath for five minutes every morning. Try to talk more! I mean it, but put energy and make every word count. Make positive mental impressions on others. You are what you say, after all.
6. When did you last act on your intuition? Do you have time to notice what is going on around you? We get so busy daily doing plan-athlon, cook-athlon, call-athlon. We ignore the most obvious signs when things are about to go wrong, or turn out the opposite to what we expected. Spend a few calm moments with yourself. Switch on your right side of the brain, a seat of intuition. Meditate silently or with music. Be yourself.
7. Can you reserve a time for yourself in a day? It is a talent to feel free and unlimited. Push the boundaries, do not make excuses that you are too busy. It is amazing how different you will feel every day if you release all limiting thoughts. Drop 'don't have,' 'can't' or 'shouldn't'. Try something new - to live a day without those words. Can you?
Whether you wanted to be Kylie Minogue or Shakira in your life, the point is you can be your own star. Find the talent that sits within. It is very unique - it is yours. Develop it. Pay attention to it. Share it.
Leave your comments about which talent you feel you want to develop more. And I will share useful tips from my 'toolbox'.
Read more posts from Olga Tarabashkina at Body in Balance.