Giving of Yourself
When it comes to your spouse, friends, and extended family – building relationships definitely enhances quality of life. However, what we truly give to the relationship has nothing to do with money. By finding ways to truly give the gift of yourself with integrity in every personal interaction, you’ll be making your life richer.
We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace. -- Peggy Tabor Millin
Keep that quote in mind as you go about your everyday interactions. Everyone you come into contact with and how you react to them will have a direct bearing on your quality of life, even if it’s just the cashier at the checkout lane or an anonymous person you respond to on a discussion board. By making the effort to touch that person in some little way, you’re giving of yourself which comes back to you to make your own life richer.
Think about this as you relate to your kids. It’s been said a million times: your kids need your time and attention more than anything you can buy for them. You don’t need to treat them with material things – instead give of yourself and you’ll be doing your kids a big favor. You’ll be teaching them that true gifts aren’t things you buy, it’s interpersonal relationships are what adds to quality of life.
Here are some practical applications:
Gift Giving
Your true gift is something of yourself. It’s being a friend to someone who needs one. It’s being available for your kids and spouse. Those things may be hard to wrap up for birthdays and holidays, but here’s what you can do:
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on gifts this year, give from the heart. It’s less expensive and often more appreciated. Consider what people would really want from you. If you make great homemade cards, and your busy sister-in-law would probably appreciate having a box of them for various occasions. Or, maybe your friend who just had a baby would really rather have you watch her kids for a couple hours so she can get a nap instead of more infant clothes.
Traditions
When you think back to holidays when you were young, chances are your memories of family tradition have long outlasted any gift you received. With the holidays approaching, it’s important to remember that establishing family rituals is more important than what you buy for your kids.
Traditions can be created any time of year and out of the seemingly smallest, insignificant moments. It could be the tradition of homemade pizza on Sunday night (this was one I remember from my childhood) or the annual fall trip to the apple orchard. By creating traditions you’ll be giving your kids true lasting gifts to carry into the future.
Creating Moments
When it comes to dealing with your spouse, it’s easy to take each other for granted and get caught up in daily routine. Remember with every day and every interaction, you have the opportunity to make a difference. Give compliments, say thank you, and proactively create special moments – and those gifts will come back to you in return.
Discussion Questions:
Your relationship with your spouse: little things can make a big difference
Family Traditions?
What are some ways someone gave from the heart and did something nice for you?
Step #67: Give of Yourself
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