What’s In Your Hands? Rediscovering the Power You Already Hold

What’s In Your Hands? Rediscovering the Power You Already Hold

I was cleaning out a drawer in my studio not long ago when I stumbled across a brush I hadn’t used in years. The bristles were worn, the handle nicked from years of work—but as I turned it over in my hand, I was reminded of all the canvases it had touched. That single brush had helped create scenes that now hung in homes, boardrooms, and galleries. Not because it was special, but because I used it.

We often overlook what’s right in front of us—especially the talents, tools, and experiences that have shaped our journey. We think we need something new, something more, to make a difference. But the truth is, the most profound change often begins with what’s already in our hands.

Whether you're a business leader, creative, parent, teacher, or team member—you are already equipped with something uniquely valuable.

Three Things You Might Be Holding Without Realizing It:

A Story That Could Set Someone Free
We discount our experiences because they’re “ordinary.” But ordinary stories—ones of struggle, grit, humor, or faith—often carry the most power. You don’t have to be polished, just present. Someone out there is waiting for your realness.

A Gift You’ve Grown Too Familiar With
Talent loses its shine when it becomes routine. But that thing you do effortlessly—organizing a team, lifting someone’s spirits, painting a sunrise, writing a thoughtful note—may be the very gift someone else desperately needs.

A Platform You Haven’t Fully Claimed
Your voice, your network, your role—they all carry influence. The question isn’t whether you have a platform. It’s whether you’re using it with intention. Even a small gesture can ripple far beyond what you see.

In many of my keynote presentations, I’m asked what drives my daily focus and resilience. My answer is rooted in something simple: a deep sense of gratitude—for the talents I’ve been given and the calling to use them with purpose. I begin each day reminding myself that I already have what I need. The challenge—and the reward—is in showing up, staying grounded, and choosing to make a difference with what’s in my hands.

If you’re a meeting planner looking to equip and inspire your audience, I’d love to offer you a copy of my book Reflections—a collection of insights and artwork that continues this conversation. It’s my gift to those creating meaningful experiences for others.

So I ask you today: What’s in your hands? And how might you use it to make a difference—not someday, but today?