The Gift of You … Sunday Musings
I have received some very cool gifts this season already. One good friend stopped by and put in a light over my garage so the driveway would be lit when I came home (or anyone else parked there.) Another made my favorite home-made caramels. One whom I haven’t seen in ages called and we chatted for over an hour. And, as I was decorating the tree I came across wonderful ornaments from friends and family that reminded me of significant events in my life.Those are gifts I will remember and keep.
I was speaking at an event last week and asked people to raise their hands if they remembered the gifts they received last Holiday season. Very few hand went up. The few that remembered came up after and listed their gifts, “My daughter and her husband flew out and surprised us.” “My son called from Iraq.” “My mom sent me all my grade school stuff she had kept all these years.” “My sister made a collage of photos for us.” “My daughter knitted me a shawl. It was her first, and it’s all screwy, but it’s the most beautiful thing I own.”
See, when people say, “It’s the thought that counts,” it doesn’t mean “I thought of you so here’s a trinket.” It means, “I see you, and I know you, and this will make your heart sing.”
If you’re struggling over what to give someone, think closer to home. Would a phone call, a card, a photo, a hand made plate of fudge be the ticket? After all, if you’re friends, YOU are already the gift.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only gift is a portion of thyself.”
I don’t want to just wish you Happy Hoidays…
I want to wish you a Happy run-up to the Holidays.
Enjoy thinking about those you love, enjoy getting together with them, and remember, it’s YOU we love, not your stuff.
Malama Pono (take good care to keep things in balance)
Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)
Beth
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Beth Terry is a professional speaker, trainer and author. To learn more about her, go here.
© 2007 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc.
Thanks Deb! Happy to help you breathe! LOL. I have to remind myself too. I have a note on my computer that says, “Shoulders Down. Breathe!” I’ll be stressing over something and notice I’ve hunched my shoulders up. Makes it harder to breathe. Then I read my sign and remember. And it makes me laugh… which is one of the best ways in the world to relax.
Cheers from this corner of the world!
Happy Holidays!
Beth
Hey Patsy – thanks for the note! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2008 to you, too!
Sorry about the confusion going back and forth between my blog and my newsletter. I need to put a link back to the newsletter for people who click over to the blog. You can also use your back button and that should take you there. It takes a few hours for the Newsletter page to have it’s own link!
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Hugs,
Beth
Merry Christmas, Beth!
All happiness and success to you in 2008. Hope to see you soon. Hugs to your furry friends. Tell Xena, I miised her column this newsletter.
Love,
Patsy
Thank you for the Christmas Wishes – I just took a breath and believe me I needed it. Thanks again and Merry Christmas Beth, Xena and Lezard.