Four Pandemic Perfect Gift Suggestions
As you ponder gift giving traditions, what kind of gifts do you want? Do you want other dust-collector? How many gifts do you already have in the closet (attic? garage?) — destined to be re-gifted or sold at your next yard / garage sale? How many gifts have you trudged to the store to stand in line to return it (to then spend more time finding something you believe you need)?
This year, as we face a unique moment in time (navigating COVID-19) may this post inspire a desire to get creative with each gift given and received.
Get ready to experience gift-giving with far less stress and more exciting than ever!
Feel free to use / edit /personalize this letter as you wish . . .
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My dearest [name],
Truly, YOU are a gift in my life!
Today I find myself graced with so many gifts to include — you! As the holidays approach, I wonder, are you open to exchanging one of the four unique gifts I propose noted below? These unique gifts allow us to take BIG steps toward growing a robust, healthy, happy relationship.
The steps I ask you to take may sound strange at first. As we take these steps together (based on decades of first-hand experience) what may feel strange now ripens into cherished norms as years melt into decades.
Our first step? Instead of buying gifts for each other we make commitments to each other take steps to help us eat better. Sleep better. Communicate better. Be better at being more compassionate, kind, grateful and loving with more ease and grace.
These steps create gifts that never spoil or go out of style. These gifts never gather dust. These gifts never find themselves packed away in a closet, attic or garage. We never need to worry about these gifts being lost or stolen. These gifts never need any packing — ever — for they travel in our hearts, everywhere we go!
What kind of gifts do I suggest we explore?
Gift 1? We commit to drinking an eight-ounce glass (one measuring cup) of purified water at least eight times a day. (Our bodies will love being hydrated.) Each step we take to be more physically healthy is a precious life-affirming gift. Right?
Gift 2? We commit to saying NO to someone (or something) that we KNOW invites unhealthy stress. As we become more emotionally healthy, loving each other becomes more effortless. True?
Gift 3? Explore ways to blossom into living to our fullest potential. Maybe we take online classes together to learn answers to two ancient questions. 1) Who am I? 2) Why am I here? As we explore and unbox our gifts (our potential) to share with one and all we feel more joy, worthiness, peace and fulfillment. Timeless gifts for sure!
Gift 4? Help each other learn how to give and receive gestures of kindness, compassion and gentleness. Such gestures ripple out to all we know.
This holiday season I look forward to sharing a sip o’ something with you as we explore these four gift suggestions as well as gift ideas you have. Sound like a plan?
Love . . .
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Author backstory . . .
Over the past 40 years I’ve enjoyed the benefits of living simply. Benefits of living more simply include experiencing little (or no) doubt, guilt, shame and worry on a daily basis — even in these crazy (COVID-19) times. Contrary to what you may think, living simply requires some effort. For example? When I meet someone new (or renew prior, lost-touch sort of thing relationships) I pen (hand-write) the above letter. I tuck this letter into a lovely hand-addressed greeting card. Folks receive this note on before November 15th to navigate traditions about gift giving.
Need help with exploring ways to enjoy a more simple life? Listen to your inner voice — your soul. Follow your intuition . . .
