The Gift of You: Embracing Your Passions, Purpose, and Well-Being
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.
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Faced with a block of marble and a vision, Michelangelo, the famous Italian sculptor and painter of the High Renaissance, said: “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it. I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
The first time I heard this statement it brought me to tears. Since then, I have been moved to my core every time I reflect on its meaning. I think about you and others I’ve met along the way—what a gift you are to this world and to everyone who knows you.
How can I be so sure? Because you wouldn’t be here otherwise.
Identifying Your “Inner Angel”
Sometimes it’s easier to see the hidden gift—the angel, if you will— in others before we discover it in ourselves. Like my mom’s knack for nurturing, or my husband’s flair for lighting up a room and making everyone feel at ease. It’s nothing they try to do; it’s just who they are.
If you need help identifying your special gifts, ask someone who knows you well. You could also think about the things that light you up. What are you particularly passionate about?
- Animal welfare?
- Children?
- Feeding the homeless?
- Making people laugh?
- Writing short stories?
- Baking?
- Nutrition?
- Turtles? (one of passions!)
My core passion is helping people take inspired action to build the healthy body they were meant to live in. Some say this is my gift. It makes total sense because when I’m engaged in any aspect of it (i.e., writing, speaking at Heinen’s Club Fx events, talking to customers), I feel alive, on fire, and full of possibility.
Pay attention to those things that lift your spirit, tug at your heartstrings, and come naturally to you. All are signs pointing to your passions and therefore gifts.
The World Needs You Well
Contrary to what some may think, self-care is not selfish; it’s an act of love for others. Think about it, you can’t bless others with your special gifts if you’re not physically here on earth! In this way, self-care is essential.
You’ve heard me talk time and again about the importance of making fruits and vegetables part of your daily meals, so I’ll skip that piece of the self-care puzzle and go right to rest.
Sleep is often thought of as a luxury rather than a necessity, but this type of flawed thinking puts you right in the center of a downward health spiral.
Our immune system, heart health, blood sugar regulation, emotional well-being, and brain function all rely on getting adequate rest. It’s the single most important thing you can do for your health! Have you ever wondered why it’s so easy to catch a cold around the holidays? That’s what happens when we prioritize last-minute shopping over sleep.
If you could use a little help in your quest for more rest, check out these eight simple tips to help you achieve a peaceful night’s rest.
Key Takeaway
We all have a statue inside of us just busting at the seams to be revealed, so spend time on the things that fuel your fire this holiday season. Don’t forget to make room for some much-needed rest and relaxation, too! And, when you are tempted to slack on sleep in lieu of buying another gift they probably don’t need, take that as a sign that you should hit the sack. Give them the gift of a fully-charged you instead.
