Great Gifts That Do Not Cost A Cent

"Make a gift of your life and lift all mankind by being kind, considerate, forgiving, and compassionate at all times, in all places, and under all conditions, with everyone as well as yourself. This is the greatest gift anyone can give." —  Dr. David Hawkins

We need each other. Right now more than ever. Especially when times are tough. And times are tough for everyone. More than ever we need friendship, for a friend in need is a friend indeed. We need kindness, love, smiles, hugs and giving.

Here are some great gifts that don't cost a cent:

• The Gift Of Listening: But you must really listen, no interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening! It will show them that you really care. 
• The Gift of Affection: Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. 
• The Gift of Laughter: Share articles, cartoons, and funny stories or even sing songs together. You deserve to feel good, have fun and smile. Sometimes it's great to just be silly. Your gift will say "I love to laugh with you". 
• The Gift of A Written Note: It can be simple "Thanks for the help" or recognition for a job well done. A quick e-mail to say hello to an old friend. Or take the time to tell someone how much they really mean to you...or the positive difference they have made in your life! A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life. 
• The Gift of a Compliment: A simple and sincere "You look really nice today" or "You did a GREAT job" or "That was a wonderful meal" or "You're REALLY good at ____", can make someone's day. 
• The Gift of a Kindness/Thoughtfulness: Think of others first. Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. It's even more special if it is a surprise! There is nothing better than "Random acts of Kindness". Bonus points if you do something without the other person ever knowing who did it. 
• The Gift of Solitude: There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others. 
• The Gift of Cheerful Disposition: The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not hard to say a simple "hello" or "thank you" or "you're awesome". Sometimes just a smile or wave can turn someone's day around. 
• The Gift of Compassion: Taking the time to be there for someone who "needs you". A friend in need is a friend indeed. 
• The Gift of a Great Positive Attitude: It can be infectious. It will make you feel good, and make those AROUND YOU feel good too. 
• The Gift of True Friendship: Take the time every day to "be a good friend" to someone! It's always the right time to do something nice. 

Remember, it is always better to GIVE first than to wait and expect to get first. Have a great day "giving" out these gifts! Strive to make a positive difference in someone else's life on a daily basis!

Practice Random Acts of Kindness, always. Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how. A person who truly does things that count, doesn't usually stop to count them. Make things count!  You are never more like God than when you give, when you take time for people, or when you do something good for somebody who can never repay you.

Reach out and make a positive difference in someone's life today...not because you have to...but because you can! Little random acts of kindness might not be so little in the eyes of the person who desperately needs one.  You never know what others may be going through.  Everyone is fighting some kind of hard battle in their lives. Be more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you and strive to leave every personal interaction better than you found it. Make today great!