Giftspiration
Happy New Year, Gifters!
Guest Blog Writer: Michelle Blan
SHARE YOUR HEART
Everywhere you look, love is in the air. Yep, it is that time of year again – when significant others get a bit more lovey, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are at every turn, and the dreamy idea of a picture-perfect romance is at the top of wish lists around the globe. But why February? Well, the idea of love surrounding Valentine’s Day could bring about all this emotion. But, it is probably safe to say that combining the holiday with the year's newness – also throwing in some cold, dreary days – is enough to make everyone want someone to cuddle. So, why not share your heart? Why not share your feelings with someone special? Why not treat your significant other to something that symbolizes the love that comes from your heart? Not reason enough?
How about this --February is also full of birthdays. And, due to the heavy
presence of love, anniversaries abound this month, too. Whatever you do, and however you choose to do it, share your heart.
“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses."
~ Lao Tzu
A NEW YEAR OF GIFT GIVING EVENTS
How’s your new year going so far? Something tells me that 2020 is going to be your year. Do you feel it, too? If you are like most people, there is a good chance you use the January 1st calendar day to kick off new habits, new resolutions, new goals, and the like. And why not? It is a very tangible date and reflects new times to come.
The most popular New Year’s resolutions are focused on introspection, such as losing weight/getting healthy, increasing self-care, and trying to stop smoking. Turning over a new leaf in the new year can be about how you approach those around you, too. For instance, it is essential to be the person who shows the loved ones, friends, and even acquaintances in their lives that they are valued and important. After all, this little bit of positive acknowledgment can change a life. Believe it. As you move through the year, flipping the calendar from page to page, remember to take the time to honor those around you.
Wellness gifts. Getting wrapped up in everything we have going on in life is easy. Sadly, though, when we do, our mental and physical health often gets pushed aside. You and I are not the only ones who feel this way. Those around you feel the stress of finishing yesterday’s to-do list before today is over.
Why not surprise one – or more – of these special individuals with a wellness gift? This token of care can stop someone in their tracks. And, cause a pause – a pause to sit back with a cup of tea, soak in a hot bubble bath, or even enjoy a new at-home spa treatment.
Visit someone in the hospital. Being in the hospital is no fun at all. Nobody wants to be at a hospital because it doesn’t matter the seriousness of the condition. For this reason, faces light up beautifully whenever a visitor comes walking through the door.
What may seem like a small disruption in your daily routine has an incredible impact on the person stuck in that hospital bed. Bring some goodies, games, or other convenient distractions -and chat awhile.
This is the person you ought to be in 2020.
A visit to senior living communities. Just like visiting a hospital, elderly folks don’t generally like living under the care of a senior living community. But, such is life – and how it works out sometimes. But guess what? Having a visitor – even if only for a few minutes – can overflow hearts.
Seniors still need social interaction - and not ready to be forgotten. Show them they aren’t by making a point to visit those you know – and even those
you don’t – with small treats and care packages throughout the year.
Congratulations on a job well done. When you encounter someone who did a good job, acknowledge them. Show them you noticed—congratulate them. This could be a co-worker or colleague, a student in your life, your landscaper, a family friend, a spouse, or even your own kid! We are proud of ourselves for a job well done, but it sure does feel wonderful when someone else shows us they noticed our accomplishments, too, right?
Other various tokens of appreciation. Finally, as you maneuver your way through the ups and downs that will inevitably make up your 2020, don’t forget to look out for those around you – and be the one to make a difference in your life. Small tokens of appreciation for anything is a spectacular way to share your heart and spread love.
