Giftspiration

INSPIRED BY SPECIAL MOMENTS

Guest Blogger:  Michelle Blan

Life has all sorts of distractions and frustrations. Full agendas and hectic schedules, always rushing from one place to the next. Work meetings, heavy workloads, and extra hours at the office. Kids are bickering, need homework help, and are late to soccer practice. Rushed evenings trying to make dinner, clean up, do laundry, and get organized to face the same challenges again tomorrow. Phew. When does it slow down? And why do we keep going through this stressful hustle and bustle daily?  Well, it’s simple: We do it for the special moments. 

Some moments in life make all the struggle and defeat worth it. Can you think of any of these moments in your life? You know, those special moments that take your breath away and make your heart swell. And those special moments that help you realize you are just a small brush stroke on a beautiful masterpiece – that the world is so much greater than your daily frustrations. Those are the special moments that make life worth living despite everything else. One small moment in the middle of chaos can be powerful enough to change a life. Pay attention to these moments – and acknowledge them. Doing so will allow you to hold on to that sweet joy for just a little bit longer.

GIFTING LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS

As you walk through life and face some of these magnificent moments, why not make them unforgettable with a gift? No rule says gifts should only come on specific days or holidays. Gifting just because is a way to create your special moment!

A gift for new parents. New parents are entering a new stage of life that is as exciting as scary. Surprise them with a gift to help calm their nerves and allow them to relish in their new role.
A gift for the new baby. Everyone loves a baby – and the birth of one is such a beautiful miracle. Celebrate the “0” birthday of the new baby in your life with a special gift.
A gift for college acceptance. Most people acknowledge graduation, but receiving that college acceptance letter is a great cause for a party – and a special gift. Getting into college is a great accomplishment that should be rewarded.

A gift for a first kiss anniversary. Do you remember when you met your significant other?  How about where you went on your first date? The first time you kissed? Relive these special moments in time with a sweet, romantic gift.
A gift of gratitude for the best friend's support. Sometimes we take advantage of the fact that our best friend will always be there. And it’s likely because he or she will. But that doesn’t mean we can’t show how thankful we are. Give a gift of gratitude to those who bring so many special moments into your life.

A gift for the new pet. Do you have any pet lovers in your life? Dogs? Cats? Pigs? Fish? The heart becomes full no matter what the species. Cherish the moment of adoption with a special gift that will make the new parents and the pet feel loved.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Birthdays make us feel special. It doesn’t matter how old you get; you still have that giddy little kid buried deep inside who loves feeling special for that one day each year. The one day that is all yours. Go on – admit it. This is why taking the time to make birthdays special for others is something you should always make a point to do. After all, birthdays are the special moments that will be remembered for a lifetime. Surprising your friends and family with a personalized gift basket on their birthday is the perfect chance for you to go above and beyond – making that day extra special. Don’t just stop with friends and family – incorporate this idea in everything you do.

Take the time to write your co-workers' birthdays on a calendar at work. Then, when their special day arrives, make it memorable. A personal touch with the chosen gifts will flow that warm, fuzzy feeling.
In your social organizations, make a point to celebrate each birthday. Personal acknowledgment on a birthday is a great way to make someone feel good, though surprising them with gifts that you know they will enjoy can lead to a priceless reaction! 

At work or in any organization you are a part of, take the initiative to put together a birthday club. By going above and beyond to bring joy to someone on his or her birthday, you are creating special moments that will always find a home in the heart. 

“Life is like the rhythm of the heart —
every breath, every blink of the eye. It is beat by beat, moment by moment...”
- Andy Puddicombe