That doesn't belong to me

A stranger walks up to you with an object in his hand and asks you if it is yours. You glance at the object and, without a second thought, respond, "No, it doesn't belong to me." There is no doubt in your mind about your statement of belonging. The next person who comes along makes a comment about a group of people with whom you identify or a personal characteristic. In essence you are still being asked, "Does this belong to you?" You may exercise the same choice as in the first situation. The comment may be descriptive of you, but it does not belong to you. It is not who you are. You are not fat, old, poor, or unattractive. These are transient just like your possessions. What does belong to you is a clear understanding and acceptance that you are a unique individual endowed with a special set of gifts and talents. Those are yours throughout your lifetime and can never be lost. You may choose to hide them from yourself and others, but they are yours to tap into whenever you desire. What doesn't belong to you today that you are ready to cast off?