What's hidden in you?!

This week a writer on the popular TV show “This is Us” has allegedly committed suicide. She was found hanging in her apartment, after some social media posts battling anxiety during the quarantine period imposed on us by COVID-19. No matter our individual stance on mental health, suicide and the management of it all, this was a “popular individual”, a celebrity that by the definition of the term is someone well known, and most of the times well liked. So how can someone with so many friends, co-workers, acquaintances be and feel so alone to the point of maybe not reaching out and eventually ending her life. They do say the ones battling depression, anxiety tend to hide their feelings so well; they become the social butterflies, the life of the party, the comedians – Robin Williams, the best actors in suppressing, hiding their pain. Her "mental health" robbed us of her future episodes, screenplays, impact on TV as an African-American female, of her gifts and talents.

I am a strong believer in purpose – reason I was allowed on this earth and am still here despite trials and tribulations. Each of us adds value to this world; our battle is finding out what it is and how to bring it forth. We possess or have been attributed gifts and talents to bring a little piece of Heaven on this earth – whatever Heaven might mean to you; if it only means peace and love, trust me that is enough in this chaotic existence we are currently apart of. What a time to be alive! I am sure the writer on “This is Us” brought happiness, hope, courage, understanding and empathy to many households with her writing content. She used her gifts and talents to make the world the little piece of Heaven she was unfortunately not able to create, hold on to herself. But she had recognized her gifts and used them!

What is your purpose? What can you add to this world to make it a tad more desirable to live in? As a matter of fact, let’s keep it small. How are you using your gifts and talents to make your family, your friend circle, your workplace, your community a better place.

Especially in the racist revolution movement we are living, are we positively engaging and adding to the race, Black race AND human race. Example: all the Love & Hip Hop, Black Ink Crew, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Married to Medicine – yes, I am keeping this Black, as funny they can be at times or break from our reality, how are they empowering our culture, giving the next generation something to aspire to. I did not expect any different from the Love & Hip Hop or Real Housewives, but last month, I decided to watch Married to Medicine LA with the hope it would have great girlfriend code, motivation and positivity among sistas; complete fail! I never thought I would be saying that but shoutout to TI & Tiny Friends & Family Hustle, being real, positive while keeping their gifts and talents at the forefront. Representation matters; and money and ratings have had us looked like damn fools on TV.

Back to purpose.

I am still discovering mine. Actually I have found it, but slowly tapping into it. Some of my gifts and talents are expressing myself through writing; example: helping others write their company’s “About Us”. I had confirmation of this twice this month, with two people asking me to put into words what they could only describe visually. I mean, I have a whole Masters in Communications, I better be able to write! The passion, the easiness of it are what highlight your gifts and talents.

What is hidden in you?! Some people are blessed and have discovered their role in the world, their purpose, gifts and talents at a young age and have walked around leaving glitters after each footstep. Most of us are roaming this earth, living day by day. Others are somewhere in the middle. Are you making the rainbow or just tasting it? What is hidden in you? It is never too late to light the fire in you and soar to levels you have only heard or dreamed of. Whatever upgrading means to you – it can be actually deading the situationship you have been in for 7 years, finishing your college degree, losing the weight, making the appointment with the therapist, returning to your spiritual life, forgiving your past…the list goes on and will be different for everyone.

Anxiety looks different on everyone. Depression feels different to everybody. And the management is clearly an individualized and uphill battle. I want to encourage you to not let your gifts and talents be served only to make others feel better; what use are they if you cannot benefit from them. I rather a selfish friend – in a good way, than a dead one. You have so much to offer to the world. Your life has value. Surround yourself with people who can help you bring them forth. Be a light to yourself first, and to others when you are strong enough to light you both. Only then you can have a positive, beautiful, unmatched impact on the world. Hurt people hurt people – and hurt themselves. So be a pillar. Heal first, only then your gifts and talents, your value are purposeful.

What are some of your gifts and talents you have hid and why? Share with us!