My Weblog

Gifts That Count

As the holidays approach, most of us are preoccupied with plans and preparations for observing whatever traditions we value.  Gift giving is usually a big part of our concerns.

 

Sometimes this is a stressful part of the season.  Buying gifts can add some stress to an already strained budget.  And thinking of the right gift for people that you care about can also be difficult. 

 

Have you noticed that some people have a real knack for this?  Think about gifts you have received that really “hit the mark” and pleased you.  I’m guessing that the amount of money spent likely wasn’t what made the difference between a ho-hum inner response and one that ignited a spark.

 

Gifts at their best are a sign of recognition.  The giver recognizes something personal about you.  A quality, an interest or a memory of something that is important to you.  It is a sure sign that the giver is paying attention.

 

Who wouldn’t be pleased by that?

 

Gifts can honor and deepen a relationship.  They can also be an expression of what is most important by strengthening the bond of love and affection.  It’s a way of saying, “You matter to me,” or “I appreciate you,” and “I know who you are.”

 

A family member told me about a recent interaction with a relative of his who asked what he would like for Christmas.  When he provided an answer, she said, “Well that’s boring!  I don’t want to give you that!”  He understandably felt exasperated and wondered why she had asked.

 

Reality Check

"Action is the foundational key to all success."  ~Picasso~

 

As we come to the end of the year, how was it for you?  Did you write the exercise suggested in the last post?  Did you write down a description of your life as you imagine and desire it, and then write the details of your present reality?

 

If you are disappointed you are not alone.  This year has presented many difficulties to people all over the world.  You may not have accomplished what you hoped and may have had some unexpected big challenges.

 

Being a recovering perfectionist, I can easily get into self blame when I fall short of my own expectations.  That is a slippery slope into helplessness and hopelessness and getting completely stuck.

 

While the reality check is essential to getting back on track, sometimes a shift in focus also helps.  Seeing a balance between our strengths and accomplishments as well as our flaws and shortcomings is a big help as we make plans to move ahead.

 

What was the best thing you did over the past year?  What was one accomplishment that you feel proud of? 

 

One of the things that I did was to take a couple of concrete baby steps to building an online business.  I began writing articles to promote affiliate products that I use and like, and I started this blog.  It is a beginning.  And taking note of beginnings is encouraging and hopeful.

 

What small progress have you made toward a life change?  How can you build on that?  What specific steps can you make now to gain momentum?  If you have lapsed into inaction, commit to a specific time (as soon as possible...like today) to do something. 

 

No doubt the biggest excuse that I hear from people who are explaining about not doing what they said they were going to do is that they don’t have time.  Busy-ness is a great excuse.

 

But it’s just that...an excuse.  If you are using that excuse, break down the steps into micro-mini steps.  We all have 15 minutes a day.  Use it to walk around the block.  Or add a vegetable to your menu for the day.  Or sit down, breathe deeply in the silence and relax.  Or use it to phone someone you need to make contact with.  You get the drift.

 

Small, consistent action counts.  In fact it is the only way that real change occurs.  Take heart.  Your reality check can lead to great things, one tiny step at a time.