The Gift of Listening
But the rule is you must really, really listen. No interrupting, no planning your responses, no solving their problems with how you'd handle it, no daydreaming...just your pure undivided attention.
The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholding. Let these small actions demonstrate the love and appreciation you have for your family and friends. I must admit this used to be something I struggled with because it wasn't a part of my childhood, but I was determined to be affectionate with my children and let them see me being affectionate with my spouse.
The Gift of Laughter
One of my favorites!!! Clip cartoons, share funny stories, articles and pictures. Laughter truly does soothe the soul. Some of my fondest memories with my family and friends are ones where we laughed until tears were rolling down our face and our stomachs were hurting.
The Gift of a Written Note
In today's age of email, Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, etc - this is definitely a lost art. It can be as simple as a card that says "Thank you for being you". A brief, hand-written note may be remembered for a lifetime and may even change a life.
The Gift of a Compliment
A simple, but sincere, compliment can give someone a much-needed pick-me-up. I have a goal to pay someone different a compliment each day - a co-worker, a cashier, a family member,or a complete stranger.
The Gift of A Favor
Every day go out of your way to do something kind. Hold that door for the people coming behind you in a restaurant or store. Pay for someone's coffee or lunch in the drive-thru. Let that car that's trying to merge in the morning rush hour traffic.
The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we just want to be by ourselves to meditate and reflect. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others when needed.
The Gift of Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to feel good is to extend kindness to others. It's so easy to use simple pleasantries like "Hello", "Thank you", or "Have a great day!" You will find yourself in a much better place if you focus on being cheerful and happy, rather than glum and depressed.
Be blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing and inspiration to others :)
Divas With A Purpose has become a source of inspiration and motivation. It's about women being driven, inspiring, victorious and having a plan of action to become the best them they have been called to be. With collaboration, we are making our way through this thing called life as women, mothers, sisters, and friends.
Great post. The first gift is my most difficult one to give!
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