I shared this over the summer during Women's Friendship Month, but after a conversation with one of my friends, it came back to my mind. It's amazing how often the best gifts have no monetary value whatsoever. By investing our time and effort into our relationships, we can benefit in ways that are often immeasurable. What gift might you need to share with those close to you this week?
~Blessings Divas!!!
Michelle
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
hand-holding. 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.
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.
