Yo!:
Does Everyone
Have a Gift?

Editor's note: As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the economic crisis, we are uplifted by those of us who embrace the gifts that have always been right at the surface of our souls. And some of us translate that gift into a successful second life.

Karyn M. Grice is a published author who, at one time, shunned her literary gift.

Some people discover their gifts early--the 6-year-old composer, the 14-year-old published novelist. And there are those who stumble upon their talents late in life and wonder, "Where did that come from?!"

I fit in the latter category, having recently discovered my ability to write fiction. But my writing skills didn't come from nowhere like I tried to convince myself; it had to have been there all along.

I vaguely remember my high school English composition teacher telling me that my essays were well written, but I wasn't interested in pursuing an education so her words went in one ear and out the other. There were also other signs I chose to ignore, too.

During my teens, I wrote two manuscripts that I'd forgotten about until recently. I threw out several handwritten pages when our family moved because I was afraid that someone would find and read them and think I was crazy. I tossed pages a few at a time in different garbage cans because I was afraid the garbage man or a bored landfill worker would get their hands on them and read them, to my embarrassment. I never considered the fact that they could never connect them to me. After I disposed both manuscripts, I didn't attempt to write again. As a matter of fact, it never crossed my mind.

Was that when my gift was blocked?

The next time I made an attempt to write was March 2003. The powers that be, I guess, decided it was time I receive the blessing I shunned so many years ago.

It's a shame I wasn't able to recognize my capabilities earlier in my life, but I'm happy to have been given a second chance with my writing. If I had been interested in pursuing a solid education way back when, someone, more than likely, would have recognized my writing ability and helped move me in the right direction.

I'm thrilled by words and the power they hold. They can bring elation and depression, joy and pain, but more importantly, words are our main source of communication. And with these words, we learn and grow.

Since 2003, I've written 11 novels, and I have many stories inside me waiting to be told. We are all gifted with something special, and it's up to us to explore and discover it. I have a second chance at writing and I won't throw out my gift again.

What things about yourself should you be investigating and creating second chances?

Karyn M. Grice is the author of What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. For more info, visit www.readgreenbooks.com