In our busy lives, it’s often a challenge to stop, slow down and connect to the moment.
For many of us, Christmas is one of the most hectic times of the year. A time where we want everything to be perfect. We get so caught up with our To Do Lists that we forget about the gift of being present.
Driven by a belief of scarcity, that there isn’t enough time, money, love, or energy, we stay distracted by spending too much on shopping, cooking, cleaning, working and worrying that we aren’t ready.
The gift of time is one of the most important things we can give to ourselves and to each other.
Remember: we cannot give to another what we do not have within ourselves. So, giving ourselves time to discover and develop our own inner gifts, strengths and passions will help us to be able to recognize another’s gifts, and to give more freely with joy and abundance.
“The purpose of life is to discover your gift; the work of life is to develop it; and the meaning of life is to give your gift away.”
— David Viscott
The Christmas Holiday is a wonderful time to practice and remember the spirit of love, kindness and generosity. It has nothing to do with material wealth, it has everything to do with loving presence and connection. It’s an opportunity to look within, and to ask for what your heart is really seeking.
Let’s face it, you could win a lotto, but if you don’t discover your value, strengths, purpose and vision, you will more than likely lack the skill to steward the life force and responsibility of abundance. This is why many people who haven’t done the self discovery work end up sabotaging themselves by losing or damaging what comes into their lives.
Here are some ideas to help you receive and give the Gift of Presence this year:
Discover your gifts
Ask at least 6 of your friends, family and colleagues, “What do you think are my greatest strengths and strongest attributes?”
Write them down in a notebook. Breathe while they share. We often have patterns of doubt and denial of our own gifts and strengths. Listen without judgement and practice staying present. Be grateful for this gift.
Discover the gifts of others
Make a list of 10 gifts/strengths of your friends, family and colleagues. Share them as a gift. It may be the first time they’ve been recognized for their gifts.
Develop your gifts and strengths
Knowing your gifts, means to also know your weaknesses. Align yourself with friends, systems and processes that can help support you. Change your mindset around asking for help. Let go of feelings of shame or desperation. Asking for help is one of the greatest compliments you can give. Ask from a place of value and worth for yourself and recognizing another.
Christmas helps us practice giving and receiving. View it as a time to grow and serve from a place of gratitude and love. May your holiday be a holy day filled with remembering gifts and being present. May 2020 bring you all that you need to develop your gifts so you can give them away with joy and celebration.
