Welcome! I’m so glad that you stopped by to visit my brand new website! happy

I want to think of this space as a warm community of like-minded people, a safe place to spread your wings and experiment with your gifts, and a boost of encouragement and energy whenever you need it.

This site is a labour of love for me. (Yes, I’m from Canada, so I spell labour with a “u”!)  Even though the idea emerged only a couple of months ago, I’ve been dreaming about some of the ideas behind this site for a long time. It’s interesting how these things emerge. You can read more about the journey to this site here.

About eight years ago, I designed and facilitated an eight week workshop on creativity. Together with the eight amazing women who participated, I went on an incredible journey of discovery – trying out new forms of creativity, acknowledging my unique giftedness, and giving myself permission to create and call myself an artist. Looking back, I realized that it was in those eight weeks of sessions that I felt most alive and empowered. I was doing what I loved most in the world – creating, teaching, energizing and encouraging other people, helping people discover their gifts, and improving the world just a little bit through the unfolding of our collective giftedness.

Ever since then, I have longed to relive that experience. Though I haven’t had a lot of time for it (I’m still employed in a full time job) I managed to carve out the time to teach other workshops (on leadership, self-discovery, teamwork, Six Thinking Hats, True Colours, etc.) and every time I’ve done so, I’ve learned something new about myself and about gifts and creativity. In my day job, where I lead a team focused on encouraging the stewardship of money, time, and giftedness in pursuit of justice for those who are hungry, I’ve also spent a lot of time thinking about how important it is for each of us to give what we have to make the world a more just and beautiful place.

Sometime after the creativity workshop was complete, I worked my way through a book called “The Path”. In the end, I wrote my personal mission statement. “My mission is to inspire excellence in people, to facilitate growth and the discovery of giftedness, and to serve as a catalyst for positive change.”

A few months ago, I was reading a book called “The Gift” by Thomas Hyde (?). One morning, as I was thinking about what the book taught about the importance of gift-giving in building effective flourishing societies, I had an epiphany. Clear as day, I saw a vision of what I needed to create and give to the world. I didn’t have all the details, but I still marvel at the clarity and completeness of that vision (that arrived on an ordinary Monday morning while I was sitting at my desk at work). I knew that it would be called “What are you giving away?” and I knew that it would be a space where I would invite people to share their gifts and tell their stories and where I would share what I have learned about giftedness, leadership, justice and creativity. I knew that it would also be a launching point for more exciting things like workshops, retreats, “giveaway” parties, workbooks, , and other resources.

I would be so thrilled if you would consider joining me in this adventure. There a few ways that you can do that:
1. Join my email list (coming soon). I’ll send out periodic newsletters and updates about what’s happening at the site and what’s coming up for workshops, retreats, etc.
2. Follow me on Twitter. I’ve found that Twitter offers a unique space for creating warm creative communities. (I found my web designer there and she’s been a real treat to work with.) Whenever something new happens here, or there’s something exciting to share, I’ll tweet about it.
3. Share a gift. If you have something to share or you want to try out a new emerging gift, like a piece of art, a special skill or a passion for a cause, consider sharing it here. You can either give it to someone who comments, or ask for advice on how to share it with the world. You can find out how to submit your gift here.
4. Share your story. Everyone has a story to tell and I believe that we all benefit from sharing stories. Consider sharing a story about how your giftedness emerged, how a special mentor encouraged you to use your gift, or how your gift changed your life or the life of the person/people you shared it with. Find out how to submit here.
5. Bookmark this page, sign up for the RSS feed, and come back often! New things will be appearing a few times a week!
6. Grab a badge on the side and post it on your blog or website. Or simply invite people to visit and post a link.

Live abundantly, by Heather Plett

Live abundantly, by Heather Plett

Now – in the spirit of what this site is all about – I’m giving something away.  I only started painting in January when I took a watercolour class.  I fell in love, and though I haven’t gotten very confident in my ability yet, I enjoy it and I’m better than I imagined I would be at it.  Plus it makes me happy and that’s what it’s all about, right?  So… I’m giving away a painting I made especially for this launch.  It’s called “Live Abundantly” and it’s 8″ X 10″ on watercolour paper. To win, simply leave a comment, and I’ll pick a winner by Monday, August 10.

Thanks again for stopping by! I’m so excited about the possibilities emerging here. I’m so excited about the beautiful people I’ve already met while I’ve been dreaming this up. (A big shout out to Leah Creates who put shape to my dream by working her web design magic on this space!) I’ve already got some stories lined up from some amazing people and I look forward to receiving more.

Blessings to you as you give space to your unique giftedness and you learn to share it with the world.

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