How many times have you wondered what gift you can give this holiday season? I love wrapped up surprises as much as the next person, but truly, the gifts that mean the most are the ones that touch my heart and change my life in positive and powerful ways. You do not need to spend money on these extraordinary gifts. In fact, they are absolute treasures that everyone would love to receive any day of the year. Now is the time to decide how and when you will share these gifts.

1. Compassion – Open your eyes to what others are going through. A heartfelt prayer or positive reflection does wonders for healing and builds positive energy. This gift is life changing. For someone to know that you understand or relate to their pain or discomfort helps them feel loved and reminds them that they are not alone. Like all good things, the compassion you have for others will come back to you when you need it the most.
2. Generosity – Generosity is not about giving money or wrapped gifts, although those are nice. Giving a generous compliment to someone costs nothing. Zero. Giving generous applause at a wonderful show that you attend helps the cast know that you recognize and appreciate their efforts. Giving a generous hug to someone who really needs it helps them get through the day. Generosity presents itself in every moment and is a gift that keeps on giving.
3. Listening – A good listener is an exceptional person. Be a non-judgmental listener if someone has a problem and comes to you to talk about it. I had a nickname in the past of “the Doctor” because people considered me a good listener and someone they could trust.  When someone is concerned about something or worried and wants to talk, a good listener lets them vent and put things in perspective.  Giving someone the opportunity to share what is bothering them and just listening is a gift that will help them move past where they are right now to something better.

4. Thoughtfulness – I do not remember everyone’s birthdays all the time, nor do I remember to unexpectedly drop cookies by a neighbor’s house. People who do that, though, are truly thoughtful. Not all of us have that level of awareness, but we can all be thoughtful in different ways. When you meet up with a friend, start with a compliment or a question about how they are doing and let them respond. Put the attention on them for a few moments and let them share something about themselves. You can also wish others a joyful day or bring them a small gift out of the blue. Thoughtfulness always makes a big impact on the receiving end.
5. Forgiveness –What if someone makes a mistake? Are you understanding? Do you allow them to right the wrong or apologize? Do you help them work through it in a positive way? We are all human and mistakes happen, but an angry response is never productive. So, when someone makes a mistake that affects you, remember that you will make a mistake one day, too, and a little forgiveness goes a long way. Now is a good time to forgive someone.
6. Encouragement – You cannot know what others think or feel inside. You cannot see their hopes and dreams, just as they cannot see yours. In what way can you encourage them to push through, so their goals can come to fruition? Remind others that they can achieve. I can honestly say I would not be writing or motivating others today, if not for a couple of wonderful friends who encouraged me to so. Encouragement is a gift of positivity, and positivity changes lives.

There are so many more gifts that you can add to the list. The holiday season is a season of joy. Share your joy in a personal and profound way. Your words and actions are worth a lot more than a store-bought gift, and truly, they bring more happiness to others than you will ever know. Share your love and be a friend and the biggest gift of all will be…you.

xoxo

Andrea

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