BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Inspiration Stand In The Spotlight

In "The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living," the author, Corrie Woods, states that "to live authentically means that you truly hold nothing back. You believe in who you are and the gifts you share."

Our talents are gifts from the Creator. Our gift back to the Creator is to use those talents. From the Artist's Way.

How are you sharing your talents? Do you believe you are a talented person? Do you believe that someone or something is holding you back?

When I was in my twenties, my husband and I played in a rock band together. For some reason, I had this belief that if we ever got any notice, got any little bit of fame at all, our marriage would fall apart. So, I never pushed myself, or our band, to really get out there. In fact, we kept sabatoging ourselves by choosing drummers that couldn't commit LOL!

Now a wiser woman, I still get out there, I still sing and perform, and am actually busier than when we had our band back in the 90s. I've managed to release that belief, and enjoy sharing my talents while in the safety of a secure marriage.

That's so interestng about the rock band and not wanting fame....I wonder if that's why some people don't follow their passions? They're perhaps afraid of what it would do to their relationships, kids, etc. Might upset the apple cart!

My dream is to write to inspire women to achieve their goals and follow their passions. Two weeks ago, I created my "Quips and Tips for Adventurous Women" website, which combines inspirational quotations from strong women in history with real life practical applications. I love it! It's totally my passion, and all I want to do all day is write for my website :-)

I think finding your talents and passion really requires you to try new things. I fumbled around alot as a writer, figuring out what I should be doing, and eventually stumbled across my perfect niche. It takes effort not just to pursue your dreams, but also to find what it is that you love to do! We not always born knowing what our passions and talents are.

Interesting stories, to the both of you. LauriePK, know what? I'm somewhat of a struggling writer --- and, as James Gandolfini once put it, "I think I fell in love with the notion of being a writer, rather than just being a good one."