The Greatest Gifts Are Free

"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

With the holiday season well upon us, we are once again feeling the impact of living through a global pandemic that has changed the way we operate, and changed our lives in so many different ways.  Typically this would be a great time of celebration and festivities. Time spent gathering with friends and family. Rushing around in shopping malls, shopping for presents. But this year feels so, so different. And many are just done with it all. 

We need each other, now, more than ever. We need kindness, love, warmth and giving. We need to be there for one another. This year has weighed heavily on everyone. Everyone is struggling in some way, shape or form. Some out of work. Some in a constant daycare situation. Some don't have the time, convenience or money to give the way that they would like to. But there are ways to give that don't cost a cent.

Here are some of those great gifts ideas: 

• The Gift of Listening and Attention: The key is to really listen, and to give them your full attention. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. No distractions. No responding to your cell phone messages. Just listening and focusing! It will show them that you really care. It is the ultimate example of giving without expectation of anything in return.
•  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: Humor is a great gift for several reasons. People like to laugh and to be entertained. They are naturally gravitated to someone who can make them laugh. 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 Smile: It is one of the most influential things we can do. It adds value. It can encourage trust and is a symbol of friendship and peace. 
• 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 genuine "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. When we compliment others we can build rapport and create meaningful connections with them.
• 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 "Intentional 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 Politeness: Sometimes it is as simple as saying "Please & Thank You". Expressing respect and gratitude to others for the things they do, or can offer makes them feel appreciated and validated. 
• The Gift of Compassion: Taking the time to be there for someone who "needs you". Seeking to understand what they may be going through. 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 Recognition: Recognizing someone publicly for something they have done, whether or not they think it was great can help build up a person's confidence.
• 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!

Be intentional with your kindness. Go out of your way to seek out opportunities to do something for others. Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how to be. 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 intentional acts of kindness might not be so little in the eyes of the person who desperately needs one.  You never truly know what others may be going through at any given moment.  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. Today, practice the gift of giving of yourself.  Your time, your ideas, hour help, your support, your friendship, your love. This is what giving is all about.

Make today great!

Curtis

"The purpose of your life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away." - David Viscott