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Sometimes, we conceal ourselves from ourselves. Not wanting to acknowledge the person we are, in all our special gifts, until we are forced to be guided by the wits of what life has taught us. A failure to engage, stuck in the rut, feeling unfilled, because….

We do that until we grow into this ever-evolving trail of life, eventually seeking ways to find meaning after challenges have found us with no zap in our story. Then we start on the quest to find value in our narratives.

We are each bestowed with abilities of wonder, making us this unique blend. From arts, culinary, mechanical, scientific or plain common sense, the range of what we bring to the world is vast. Some gifts we are born with, others come as the results of how parents, caregivers and teachers have instructed us, then eventually our own choices and pursuits add to this list of areas where we can excel.

Our goal is to find these talents, at the right time, with the right count. Do not delay. Do not let others keep us from this treasure. These attributes shelter us in the turmoil of today, becoming our “fall back” in challenging economic and career times.

How do we do this? Let me share three principles to help.

1. Show and share yourself.

We can’t deny that others may not want us to present the totality of our gifts and wits; negative human emotions such as jealousy and resentment are a reality. Put yourself on display, in spite of this. Help others anyway. Freely give what has been gifted to you.

2. Anchor in your special spot.

Seek an environment for focus. A no-entry zone for those we share space with, or walks along a quiet path or near water. I’ve even discovered a rock in the midst of a grassy area in my neighborhood, where a sense of spiritual energy illuminates any dilemma that I may be facing whenever I stand on it. Isn’t it great how nature can reveal what is natural to us?

Claim these places as your return to “home”, as a place to ponder, and then act.

3. Wrap all that is you in abundance.

Be attuned to the ribbons of grace and love. Stay grateful, even on muddy trails. The worst experiences of our lives can yield the discovery of a new path. Find highlights in those unwanted gifts. Whisper thank you to the world and most importantly to Him that makes us able, God.

Be and do the gifted, witted, and purposeful you. Always. Then you will discover all you were created, niched and fitted to be.

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Deborah L. Parker views herself as someone who uses the wits and gifts that God gave her to be of service. A person of faith, she was raised by a determined single mother in the home of her wise grandparents, who planted in her the importance of a strong belief system.

Building on this background along with her early experiences in a Civil Rights era rural Virginia town, Deborah has authored two books. One is a motivational memoir entitled, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey, released in July 2011. Deborah shares poignant narratives about her setbacks and successes in this book, including honoring the lessons from her family and heroes that provide her solid identity. And in her second book Life is A Review: Observations and Collections of My Passages Through the Times, released in June 2012, Deborah invites readers to browse her 25 year compilation of essays, blogs, speeches and poems around the same themes.

Deborah’s career life has taken her to positions in the army, corporate companies and now owning a motivational speaking and leadership development company, The DPJ Training Group. She has degrees in Sociology and Human Resources.

When taking a break, Deborah enjoys travel, reading and long walks.

For more information, please visit navigatinglifesroadways.com

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