Recently on the radio the DJ asked the audience to call in to give her the answer to this question – “What’s the number one gift Dad’s want for Father’s Day?” I won’t keep you in suspense. The answer was going out to eat at their favorite restaurant.
This question got me thinking about – What is a gift?
I love to give gifts! Sure, it can be challenging sometimes to find the “right” gift for someone. It’s also exciting when I finally find a gift, I know they’ll like!
Surprising someone with a gift is so much fun! For example, when I walk on the beach, I often find beautiful shells. I can’t bring them ALL home (trust me I already have a LOT of them!). Instead, I carry it to the parking lot path and leave it on the fence post. I imagine someone picking it up, looking at it and being thrilled they have a memento from their wonderful time on a Cape Cod Bay beach.
There are other types of gifts, too. For example, many of my clients have talents they take for granted that are their gifts. They bring these valuable gifts out into the world in many ways, such as being an organizing genius, inspiring change in the world, and supporting those who are less fortunate. Without these gifts, the world would be less vibrant.
Sometimes a gift is a lesson learned, even if it’s a difficult lesson. This is how I feel about the passing of Hana, my almost 21-year-old kitty, last September. The more I think about how and when she left our physical world, the more I know she was giving me a very valuable gift. It’s taken many months for me to understand this.
As I’m writing this newsletter, Minnie, one of my kittens, jumped up on the table. She rubbed my chin, played with my pencil and then was off to her next adventure! Since I’m thinking about gifts, this behavior makes me smile and appreciate her checking in on me (which she does often). Unfortunately, sometimes when she does this, I get annoyed and shoo her away. I do this because I’m focused on getting “something done” and I don’t view her behavior as a gift.
How can you look at different situations as a gift? What would the impact of doing this be for you?
When you take time to acknowledge a gift, and express gratitude for it, you can experience a shift within you. It can change your perspective. It can give you confidence. It can even lead to more clarity and peace.
What’s one gift you’re grateful for today?
