Although some people have trouble acknowledging it about themselves, we all have natural talents and capabilities.  How important is it that we use our talents?  Do we really need to do it just because we are good at it?

The Greek physician, Hippocrates, seemed to believe it is very important.  He said, “That which is used develops.  That which is not used wastes away.”  You have probably heard it stated as “use or lose it.”

I have certainly found this to be true in my life.  I made As in two years of Spanish class in high school.  But can I speak Spanish now?  Uh, no.  I took piano lessons for years as a child and even a year or two as an adult.  Reading music has helped me with choir and church music, but I play very little piano.  I didn’t put this knowledge to use in my day-to-day life, so it didn’t develop.

Encouraging people, sharing optimism, listening intently while offering a shoulder.  These are things that come naturally to me.  I have maintained them in my day-to-day life and they have developed.

What are you good at?  What comes natural to you?  What have you left setting on a shelf that needs to be used?

Use it so you can live . . . your life to the fullest.