Time is precious. Our lives are temporary and so very fragile. Give your time.
Would you give an honest answer if I asked you, “Did you wait until the last minute to go shopping?” Sure you would. We would all give an honest answer. But, the reality is this: If you and your significant other (should you have one) celebrate the holiday season, and you did not provide a gift of some sort, how does this position you in their minds?
One of the top causes of Christmas Day domestic disputes would be in a tight race for a husband getting his wife a blender or which house they will visit for lunch first; his parent’s house or her parent’s house.
For the first fifteen years of my relationship with my wife, our gift exchanges were significantly limited due to finances. We would find little ways to gift something special to each other, and at times, it took some extraordinary creativity.
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I began to think a bit about this issue. One thing was prompting me to consider this was the premise of getting someone a gift they can use beyond the holiday season. I began to find a gift I could give my wife whether purchased or created; she could use well beyond the holiday season. In years past, I had given her a purse, and she used it for many years.
Over time, we acquired tons of “stuff” and more “stuff” wasn’t what we needed.
Give you significant other your time.
Does that sound cheesy? Maybe. Here’s the deal.
At the end of the day, or at the end of your life, the time you give those you love is ultimately what will be remembered. The gifts are temporary and will likely be cherished by others when you are gone.
Why is our time such a precious gift we can give at any time, and should give?
Because it is fleeting.
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If you are not yet at the place in life where your perspective has shifted from invincible to understanding how temporary and fragile life is, you will get there.
For years, I struggled with depression, and the holiday season was such a waste for me. I was miserable.
Give your time to those you care about and love.
Disconnect from the iPad, iPhone, laptop, Android, whatever, walk away and unplug. Give your time, your full presence, to those who are with you.
Time is precious. Our lives are temporary and so very fragile. Give your time.
Give forgiveness. Sure, you could harbor hate and blame, but why? What power are you gaining from this?
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It is not healthy for you, and you matter. Your relationships matter. Your life matters. Your happiness matters. Seriously, you matter.
Let the grudges go and release the pain you have held on to. I have been there, so I have some credibility to suggest such crazy action.
This holiday season, would you take courage and forgive those you love, be it your significant other or not, and experience the freedom associated with this?
This holiday season, would you give your time, be intentional about being totally present, and providing the intangibles to your significant other, or family?
This holiday season could be the launching pad for a beautiful new year, but it is up to you. You have to take action. The day I stopped blaming others for my issues, the day I took responsibility, was the day I began to see major life improvements. I invite you to take this journey with me and let me know how your life changes!
Photo: Pixabay/bohed