What does it mean to grow into our gifts?
It includes being honest about who we are and what we would like to do.
“What does it mean, to grow into our gifts?”
The first time I was asked this question, I was speaking to a class of high school students. I explained: our gifts are a little like clothing.
When we’re young, we might have a shirt that’s too big for us. There’s nothing wrong with the shirt, or with us. In time, we’ll grow into it.
Our divinely-given gifts — like confidence, empathy, courage, strength, compassion, determination, negotiation — are also for growing into. We might be able to see something we want to do, or someone we want to be. For the moment, it doesn’t quite fit.
But unlike clothing, we might have to put in some effort to grow into our gifts.
This morning, I completed my first-ever six-session class, Bring Your Inner Heroine to Life.
In the past, I’ve usually waited to be invited to speak — or at most, I have asked for an invitation. I have never been the kind of person who says, “I have something to say and I invite you to listen. For three weeks. In six classes.” This Elul, I did.
Was it perfect? No. Did I make mistakes? Definitely. Will I be able to do even better next time? Yes. And with humility I know there are so many more ways for me to grow.
That’s what it looks like to grow into a gift.
What gifts are you growing into this Elul?
What new dreams will you take on in the coming new Jewish year? I’d love to hear them.
And I hope some of what I’ve learned and created can help you along your journey, too.
You can find all the public sessions and join the ongoing conversation in the facebook group, Growing Into All Our Gifts:
Class #1: A New Beginning
Class #2: Humility and Greatness
Class #3: Reconstructing Ourselves
Class #4: Connecting to My Higher Self
Class #5: Hearing the Call
Class #6: Small Steps to Expansion
To do the work on your own, you can download the Heroine’s Journal: A Jewish Mystical Journey of Growing into Your Gifts.
A Blessing for the Continuing Journey
When we began this Elul journey, Rosh Hashanah felt very far away. Now, unbelievably, it’s in just over a week. As we continue this journey upwards in closeness to Hashem, in return and elevation, all the way through Simchat Torah — may it be for our good and the world’s good.
May this end of Elul and the beginning of the new Jewish year launch you into a year of blessing, fulfilled purpose, health and simcha.
Shana tova u’metuka,
Evonne
P.S. Cyberspace being what it is, this email may have been flagged as spam in your inbox. I promise, it's really me, sitting here typing away after bedtime like usual! (No bot would know that but you do, right?) If you want to see more messages from me, please let your email service know I'm real and writing to you from my author account, evonnewrites@gmail.com.