“Bill Gates is quitting his day job,” the headlines proclaimed. As I read on, the article explained that he was leaving his day-to-day duties to devote himself to his other passion, promoting programs to help others in the world. He feels he has a responsibility to make the world a better place with the “gift of great wealth” that has come from Microsoft’s success. At his wedding, Bill’s mother, Mary, reminded him, “From those who are given great resources, great things are expected.” And he took it to heart.

Bill and his wife founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. 60 Minutes broadcast a brief segment on this in December 2000 that I happened to see. From that moment on, Bill became my hero. He represented, for me, someone who modeled my version of success, which is to use your natural abilities to help others. What Bill created from his God-given talent, from his passion, changed the world as we know it. And he didn’t stop there. With the unprecedented wealth this brought him, he used and continues to use that to create great good in the world.

And the world sat up and took notice. In January of this year, Bill, Melinda and musician Bono were on the cover of Time as “Persons of the Year.” Time dubbed them “The Good Samaritans,” three people on a mission to end poverty, disease and indifference.

Now, Bill is stepping down. He says he is not retiring, he is “reordering his priorities” to devote full time to giving back to the world. I can feel his mom smiling.

And then, there is Oprah. She is another one of my favorite role models who is changing the world through what she does best. Years ago, when she received her first Emmy, she said that she believed that the power of TV could be used as a vehicle for good in the world. With her God-given talent of communication from her heart, her show has done a tremendous service to empower others and to continue offering inspiration, hope and education. She knows the power of the media and uses it in the best possible way. She said, “Unless you choose to do great things with it, it makes no difference how much you are rewarded, or how much power you have.” You go, girl!

I believe we all have been born with a special talent. That talent is what we do for “fun.” It is the stuff we like to do after work, the things that keep us fascinated and engaged for hours on end. We lose ourselves in things that we love to do. These are your talents, your special gifts. Some like to write, paint, tell wonderful stories, drive, sew, cook, garden. You get the idea.

I also believe that we each have a purpose for being here. You are not on the planet at this time by accident. You are here for a particular reason.

Part of our nature is to be of service to others. This is evident in the actions that occur after natural calamities or disasters. We band together to aid those in need. If you see a person with their arms and hands full, the natural inclination is to rush to open the door for them. We’re hardwired to be of service to others.

So, if everyone has been given a certain gift or talent, what’s yours? And, how are you using it?

If you don’t think you have a gift or aren’t aware of it, sit quietly for a moment and ask your Higher Source to show you what it is. You came forth with something valuable that only you can share with the world.

There is no greater gift you can give another than the gift of your best and brightest self. Sometimes all that requires is a listening and compassionate ear.

Open to the possibilities inside you. And, as you share with others, in whatever way you are inspired to, we all receive a blessing, because we are all connected to each other.

The world awaits you and your unique gifts.