Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigors of the mind.- Leonardo da Vinci

Use it or lose it.  That doesn’t sound very positive, does it?  Well to me, it is, and it’s something that I need to take to heart.  I’m probably not wrong in guessing that many others need to take it to heart as well.  I’m not just taking about your mind, but about your heart, your body and the gifts that you have.

It’s important to exercise our minds.  That doesn’t mean we have to put in hours of rigorous study every day.  I think it’s more important to read, and be open minded to new ideas.  Exercising your body doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the gym bulking up.  Taking long walks, or short walks work just fine.  And your heart, don’t forget to use your heart by being kind and compassionate.  Be accepting of others and open to those who are different than you.

And the biggest of all is use the gifts that you have.  You do have them you know.  So many times we overlook the gifts that we have, or worse, ignore them.  So many of us say we don’t have any gifts because they’re not ones that are going to make us rich or famous.  Your gift may be to make a cheerful living environment, or you may be a great teacher.  Perhaps you have the ability to put distraught people at ease, or you’re someone that people choose to confide in.  There are many different kinds of gifts, so don’t sell yourself short!

Use it or lose it.  As I said, it doesn’t sound positive, but it really is, when you think about it.  We are all special and unique in our own way, and it’s up to use to use the special gifts that we have.  Don’t hide your light under a bushel, instead, use them and let your light shine out into the world.