Day 13: Gifts

The gift of Self.

Photo by Bridget Mac Donald on Unsplash

Are you a last-minute gift buyer or a year-round gift collector?

I generally start in November, but sometimes I find that one perfect thing that reminds me of someone and hold onto it for months.

As we open our “calendar” today, we see a gift. I could write about a giving spirit or gratitude — both excellent traits. But I want to put a spin on that today, I want you to think about what you have to give, just ask yourself.

Every one of us is poised to offer something unique and wonderful to those around us.

It could be the gift of time for your loved ones or a helping hand for a friend.

It could be as simple as a kindness to a stranger or making someone feel welcome and like they belong.

Your gift could be slowing down to provide a listening ear for someone whose voice needs to be heard, or showing compassion for those in need (or for those whose needs differ from your own).

Maybe you bring laughter to people’s lives. Or you’re just the best darn dog/cat/hamster parent there is in this world.

You have so much to offer. It starts with self-compassion and awareness that you mean so much to those around you.

You make a difference. You are a gift.

Having trouble thinking of yourself as a gift to the world? Here are some prompts to help you see how special you are…