Recently I had the pleasure of meeting my dear friend Linda’s first grandchild. Linda had been speaking about Samantha Mary for several months and now she had finally arrived. The whole world welcomes Samantha. She was presented to me in swaddling clothes; her mom gently, lovingly placed her in my arms. She was sleeping so peacefully and making those beautiful facial expressions that only newborn babies can make. I tenderly touched her warm little cheeks. I continued to hold Samantha and began to tell her how precious she was. I used words like, sweet, cute, beautiful, treasure, dear, loved, cherished. I told her she was a Masterpiece. Suddenly I began to wonder. What would it be like if we would continue to use these powerful words with those we love and even with those difficult to love? Words have the power to change lives. Kind words do not cost much, yet they accomplish much. I once read a quote that stuck with me: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” With little effort, if we concentrated on expressing words of kindness, we could make a daily impact in the lives of those around us.

As a life coach I have found that most people to not realize just how remarkable they really are. Many have told me they don’t recognize their own innate gifts and talents or what makes them special. Some do not believe they have any treasures at all. We must all recognize that we are individual Masterpieces and sometimes require guidance to capitalize on what we have to offer others. Recognizing who we are is a lifelong pursuit that requires frequent “tune-ups” to achieve maximum potential as individuals.

Often times I will ask my clients to make a list of all their attributes. Then I suggest that they read them out loud daily. It has been said: “As a man speaks, so he becomes.”
Use this exercise today to take some action-steps toward Flourishing.

1. Write a list of your attributes and read them out loud daily for a month.
2. Tell someone everyday something specific you like or admire about them.
3. Remember you too are a Masterpiece.

Gail DiMarco is the founder of iflourish; her coaching company can be found at iflourishcoaching.com. She is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), a Certified Personality Assessment Trainer and a member of Christian Coaches Network. She has been coaching, speaking to and enlightening clients and groups in many different capacities throughout her career. Gail approaches life as a gift and feels that all people can flourish when living in their innate strength. Her personal and professional mission is to Inspire, Illuminate and Ignite the Divine Purpose in Everyone.

Gail lives in North Stonington, Connecticut, has been married for 32 years to her husband Dennis and has two grown children, Dan and Dana. She is also the proud Grandmother of Dakota and Amber.