GIVE THE GIFT OF YOU
By LeAnn Foster CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It’s quite cliche. Nothing overly profound, but you should understand that you are the gift. The gift is being housed inside of you. As the holiday season approaches, the season of stress to impress, many people go on this 30-45 day journey of masked misery and anxiety. Mothers are adamant to create a day that their children will never forget, give the little ones everything she wished she had gotten. Significant others pigeon-hole themselves into a feeling of obligation to give a social media-worthy present for others to coo, “oh, you’re so lucky.” Holiday parties are plentiful and require new attire for each, and never show up empty handed. In-laws, friends, business associates, family, service providers… Your list grows; and with every new name and task, the pressure mounts. Now breathe. Slow your heart from racing. Remember one of your best experiences. Are you thinking? The moment that came to mind likely had no bows being untied, no boxes being unwrapped, no material gift exchanges. Most of us remember the moment we felt genuine love, excitement, appreciation, attention, and affection. This big busy world is quite small. We all share the same basic needs. With all our differences, we are far more the same. This year, be intentional about the upcoming holiday season. When you overspend and force yourself to attend one more festivity, despite your body and mind needing to be refreshed, ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish. Likely, you want to show people you care about them and value the relationship. There are several gestures that can demonstrate that, without you compromising your sense of peace. CONTINUED ON P. 20
