Fortunately I have developed a new small circle of friends in recent years and I thank God for each of them. I hope I have been a friend to them as much as they have been a friend to me.
During the years of being on the Internet I have developed a new circle of friends. A few I have personally met while most I will probably never meet.......there FRIENDSHIP is of no less value to me......I count them each amongst my "true" and "priceless" friends.
May YOU have a bouquet of FRIENDS that have the fullness and beauty of ORCHIDS!
When we think of gift giving we usually think of Birthdays or Christmas. We may look and shop for days trying to determine what the best gift is that our money can buy.
However, there is a gift we can give that would cost us no money but would be priceless to the one receiving it.....it is the gift of SELF.
We need not limit ourselves to presenting OURSELF as gifts to just Birthdays or Christmas but can present OUR gift 365 days a year and make ourselves truely GIFTS for ALL SEASONS!
Here are 10 ways one can give of themselves to those you love, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers or the stranger in need.
Think of these the next time you think you need to buy a gift.
If everybody gave this way...what a wonderful world this would be........
1. Your Time.
How many of us are too busy with our own lives to give of our time to others? Being busy is an excuse and a reason not to go out of your way. People need you and love you. They want to see you. Let them in. Let them have time with you. Spending time with someone is priceless!
2. Your Support.
How many of us really support the people in our life? What I mean by support is encouragement and reasons to try something new, not 10 different reasons why it won't work. Just because it didn't work for you, doesn't mean it won't work for them. And, just because it didn't work for them in the past, doesn't mean that it won't work this time. There's nothing better than telling a person that they can do whatever they want in this world.
3. Your Acceptance.
This may be a toughie for some of us. This means unconditional love and the ability to love someone for who they are and not what you want them to be. It means giving up how you think their life should go, and accepting them for what they want to do with their lives. This is the greatest gift that you can give to the people in your life.
4. Your Attention.
How many of us really listen to the people in our life? For everyone who just said "of course I do," then why are the people in your life asking you to repeat what they just said? It's because they know that you didn't hear them. Take a few minutes, stop what you are doing, and focus on the people who you love. Aren't they worth it? And who knows, you may even learn something that you thought you already knew.
5. Your Forgiveness.
Forgiving people for past mistakes and hurts is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. After all they are only human. Plus, I'm sure that you haven't been the perfect human being either. Keeping hurt and anger in your life is just an excuse not to get close to people for fear that they will hurt you again. This is a lesson I just recently learned again in regards to my Birth Mother. It took time, but I have forgiven her and it has set me free!
6. Your Patience.
How many of us can't even be with the people we love because they are taking too long to tell a story or are taking longer that "you think" to complete a project that you think should take less time to get done. How do you know that there isn't a better way to do something if the people around you always have to do it your way? Having patience with people shows them that they are respected and loved. Isn't this a great gift to give?
7. Your Love.
People want to know that they are special in your life and that you care about them. If there are things that are keeping you from loving them such as conversations that you want to have with them, but you're afraid, my advice is to say it. Sometimes you have to take a risk to achieve an open and rewarding relationship. Take the risk and give your love.
8. Your Ideas.
Sometimes people want to move forward in their lives but they don't know how. You may know something that they never thought of. And who knows, your ideas may change somebody's life. So go ahead, don't be afraid to share what you know.
9. Your Smile.
There is nothing better that entering a room and seeing someone smile when you walk in. Right then and there you know that your presence makes a difference in their life. A smile is easy. You just grin upward. Plus, you burn many more calories than from frowning.
10. A Hug.
Human touch warms the heart and keeps us connected. In addition, it doesn't take much effort, it costs nothing, and it makes someone's day. Couldn't you find time in your schedule to hug someone you love today?
The greatest gift YOU can give in ALL seasons to another is..YOU!!
Be the twinkle in someone's eyes..... present YOU as the gift!!
