We all have a natural talent or ability

[Cynthia Schmidt]

It's my belief that each and every one of us has been given a skill, a talent, an innate quality. Something that we can do without trying very hard. Something that comes naturally. Something that we love. Something that makes our heart sing. Even if you haven't discovered this in you yet, it's there for the unveiling. I know it is.

Mine happens to be chocolate. But, even before chocolate, I've always found my creative voice in the kitchen. I love to cook. I was born with a wooden spoon in my hand. I was cooking by the time I could stand on a stool and reach the stove.

I believe it's our responsibility, once we know what our gift is, to use it to the fullest. To never, ever hold on to it. Don't squander, this gift needs to be given away often and completely.

Since mine is chocolate and a lot of other people make chocolate, I had to ask myself what makes me unique from others. My chocolates look pretty, but many other chocolatiers' work looks pretty. I use good quality chocolate and no preservatives, but I'm not the lone ranger in this. What makes mine different I'm hearing from customers is, my flavors are really "in your face." If it says passion fruit, one bite and there's no doubt. If it says caramel, it is like a river spilling out on your tongue when you take a bite. If it says coconut, even the Mounds bar can't compete.

So, how did I discover my talent? Call it a case of "ignorance is bliss." I was not classically trained. I had to do all of it through the school of hard knocks and lots of scorched batches of inedible chocolate. Lots of tears. Lots of long, very very long days with nothing to show for it at the end of it all. But, since this is what I know now is my gift, I wouldn't take back any of it for anything in the world.

So my question to you is, what is your gift? I want to know. I love to network with other women, hear their stories, discover all the talents and abilities we share among us. As a woman who has reached the latter half of my 40's, I crave this kind of interraction. I'd love to read more about more of us if anyone would care to share.