HOW DO WE FIND AND GROW OUR INNER WEALTH?

"I'd gone though my life believing in the strength and competence of others; never my own. Now, dazzled, I discovered that my capacities were real. It was like finding a fortune in the lining of an old coat."                 ~ Joan MillsWe've probably all known the delight of finding money when it was needed. I can recall college days and newlywed times of finding a few dollar bills in a purse or a handful of change between sofa pillows. I wouldn't say I was dazzled, but I was elated. I might have even jumped for joy.Did you know that about $2 billion in lottery prizes go unclaimed every year? And there's an estimated $850 million lying unclaimed in lost and forgotten bank accounts.What is the undiscovered and untapped wealth within us worth? Far more than any amount of money.If we only knew how to readily claim and develop our inner resources of love, talent, courage, hope, imagination, compassion, faith - all our gifts - we could achieve a rare way of living life, being fully ourselves.With faith and enthusiasm, let's look within ourselves every day for discoveries of our gifts. Let's also do something, however small, to cultivate and grow them everyday. One way to grow our gifts is to use them everyday."How do I do that?" you might ask. There are many ways. I will offer two here.At least once each day stretch beyond blah feelings, angry feelings, hurtful feelings and choose to act kindly, caringly. In other words, decide to use the gift of love even if you don't feel like it. To symbolize and strengthen your intention to grow your inner wealth, start with a clear jar similar to the one in the photo. Every time you notice a demonstration of any one of the gifts - either within yourself or another person - add a coin to the jar, even if it's just a penny. Every seemingly little penny will contribute to the growth of actual money in the jar just as every seemingly little act of courage or statement of hope will be growing your conscious awareness and appreciation of your inner wealth.Watch for examples of all the forms of strength in your personal life, in the world, in books, films, everywhere. Look for the word "strength" on billboards, on TV ads, everywhere. Become more aware of strength, especially in yourself.  Do this with each of The Twelve Gifts: strength, beauty, courage, compassion, hope, joy, talent, imagination, reverence, wisdom, love and faith.  If you do this, whether or not you use the money jar, you will be growing your gifts. But the visible symbol and action of adding coins to the jar will help anchor your intention and commitment. It will also be fun.You are likely to collect some interesting stories about each gift too. If you feel inclined to add any here, please do! We will all benefit. Send your story the contact box or enter it in the comment area. If you wish to know of some true story examples of others growing their gifts, you can find a collection of them in TOUCHSTONES: STORIES FOR LIVING THE TWELVE GIFTS. This book is available both as a paperback and as an e-book. You can also access stories about each of the gifts right here, on this home page, to the right of this blog. Happy hunting!With love,Charlene      With joy,Charlene