Gifts and Presence

by Shannon Paul and Jo Hendrix

What “things” will you remember this holiday season? Will it be the new pair of shoes, luggage or golf clubs? Or maybe you will remember that hilarious story your friend shared during your holiday gathering. Some things are simply priceless.

Life moves by us all so quickly. Instead of trying to keep up with the pace, try slowing down to enjoy the moments we have right now in front of us. These moments soon become our past.

Try “gifting” in new ways:

• Share Time

Trainer Sami Reed of Long Beach Boot Camp shared, “During the holidays, my friends and family know that the most important thing to ‘give’ me is their time. So we exchange time every year. The time we spend together is more valuable than any other ‘gift.’”

• Share Memories and Gratitude

Tell a story about a quality you value about your loved one. You can spotlight each person in your group and knit a closer bond between all of you.

• Create “Family”

Perhaps a pleasant holiday with your biological family isn’t possible this year. Create your own family and make it a time to share time with your closest loved ones.

• Be Present

Enjoy what you’re doing right now. Worrying about the future and carrying around the past will lead us to a heavy life. Stay light; enjoy what is here and now. You’ll notice that your priorities will shift. This is the best “present” of all. To quote Time North Suncoast Columnist Jan Glidewll, “You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.”

Think about each person you surround yourself with this holiday—whether by choice or circumstance. Find that nugget of gratitude you have for them; do both of you a favor by letting them off the hook. Perhaps you can simply be grateful for the way they serve to remind you of where you came from. Let gratitude and grace guide you for a happy holiday season. 

We can all benefit from taking time to notice the beauty and abundance in our lives. It’s easy to lose focus and stress about “giving” over the holidays. Give in more meaningful ways.

For more from Shannon and Jo visit www.LongBeachBootCamp.com/blogs. 

From the Magazine City Beat - Long Beach's Mind.Body.Spirit Column written by Shannon Paul & Jo Hendrix of LBBC