“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Gifts …..

December 18, 2023

D. Paul Graham,

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Photo: © D. Paul Graham, “Dickens Christmas”, Savannah circa 2019

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Gifts …..

What was I thinking on Saturday when I thought I would just “run into” Barnes and Noble to pick up a few books for gifts? The line to get into the parking lot extended well past the light a block away. Once I navigated into the lot, a matronly grandmother type pretended not to see me, then proceeded to take my parking spot that I had been waiting for, blinker on, silently encouraging the parker to “move already!” She smiled at me as I drove by to find another spot. I did not smile back. Once inside the big box of books, I was greeted with a cacophony of chatter, shoppers with that frantic look on their face, and children that should not have been allowed to run amok. I thought I would get a coffee, but as I neared the counter to make an order, the line was too long. On top of all that, the parking-spot bandit was in line. She smiled at me. I smiled back, but only because I had a fleeting thought of butting into line in front of her. I made the better choice to go and find some books. It’s that time of year for gifts and this morning’s M5T considers other gifts that we can give ourselves and others that have far more meaning.

1. Gift of Presence.

Being present is the greatest gift we can offer ourselves and to those in our lives. Refuse to dwell on the past. Reject being preoccupied with the future. Focus on the here and now. Relationships add quality to our lives. Our commitment to being present with those important relationships shows love, respect, honor, and builds trust. Presence with yourself allow you to focus, to plan, to experience, to live a fuller richer life, and to recognize what you are truly thankful for.

2. Gift of Space.

Physical or emotional, having space is important. Take airplanes for example. Who hasn’t spent an entire flight focused on the stubborn seat mate that refuses to share an arm rest. Or that <insert your invective of choice here> who insists on hitting the back of your seat. Over and over again. The gift of space given by the person in front of you who does not recline their seat can make or break a flight! Giving yourself the gift of emotional space affords the opportunity to slow down, calm your mind, connect with your heart and soul, recharge your batteries, and lets you respond consciously with self-awareness rather than by habit.

3. Gift of Grace.

Christmas is the perfect time to consider how important grace is in our lives. Grace is a gift that doesn’t take away from or impede our freedom. Christ was such a gift. We can live a gracious live by being sensitive to the needs of others and doing something about it. We can respond to criticisms, hurts, and negativity by being gracious. We can forgive with grace. We can be humble in asking for forgiveness with grace. We can be gracious in our behavior, our gratitude, and in success and failure. Now I need to practice grace with that #%& in the seat behind me on the plane.

4. Gift of Words.

Words are powerful. Words matter. They can build up or tear down. They can be loving or evil. How often have we said things that as soon as the words leave our lips, we instantly regret saying them? Powerful uplifting words can be given verbally, in a note, in a letter, in a text, or a post on social media. Lord knows we can all use more positivity in social media. In the hustle and bustle of this time of year, take some time to offer affirming words to someone. You never know how it might impact their day or their lives.

5. Gift of Positivity.

What thoughts did you start you day with today? Where those thoughts positive or negative? Give yourself the gift of positivity. Be ruthless in banning that negative voice in your head. Acknowledge them, but then move on. Look beyond the crisis, the failure, the setback and find the lessons, the benefits, the kernels of truth and use those to grow. Thinking positively allows for creativity, consistency in your attitude, coping with stress. Where is your mind at today?

Here’s to using this week before Christmas to give and receive gifts that make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.