Merry Christmas everyone. ‘Tis the season! The hustle has started. The bustle has started. The Christmas lights are up, the decorations are out and the sleigh bells are ringing. There is no question that this is a beautiful time of the year.
While this time of the year holds a special place in our hearts for many of us, it can also be a time filled with stress and anxiety. The hustle and bustle of preparations, the chaos of endless crowds, the search for the “perfect” gifts for our loved ones. All too often, we seem to be focused on the “thing” that will bring joy to our friends and family.
But here’s a question for you – have you ever given yourself a gift for the holidays? I know some do and it always cracks me up that they go to the extent of wrapping it and putting it under the tree. I actually kind of love the idea. But what if there was a gift you could give yourself that didn’t require a trip to the store to battle the crowds, one that didn’t need to be wrapped, one that doesn’t cost a single penny – but at the same time, one that could change your life in some pretty amazing ways.
If you’ve read any of these articles, I’m guessing you have an idea of what this magical gift is that I’m talking about. Yup. It’s GRATITUDE. Gratitude is free. It truly doesn’t cost a dime. But the impact it can have on your life can’t be overstated. It’s a game-changing gift and one that will bring joy to you and your life.
Granted, gratitude is meant to be shared with others. But first, it’s important to build your own perspective of gratitude. In fact, doing so is a prerequisite to effectively sharing it with others. Building habits that leverage a grateful perspective, viewing your own life through the lens of gratitude and taking the time out of your day to practice personal gratitude are all required for you to realize the full impact gratitude can have on your life.
So, you might be asking yourself – How do I do it? How do I give “myself” the gift of gratitude? Well, here are some thoughts. First, during this Christmas season try to make an intentional effort to slow down and recognize the things in your life for which you are grateful – suspend the chaos and attend to the now. Take pause – give yourself an opportunity to notice things that you might otherwise take for granted. Said simply…live in the moment.
Second, be aware of your surroundings. Instead of hustling and bustling through the Christmas season, stop and look up. Greet those passing by you. Smile at them. Take the opportunity to make a difference in their day. You never know how grateful a stranger might be from the simplest of gestures…a smile.
Third, look at the people in your life. Look at the things in your life. Notice the good actions of others. Keep your eyes open to things that are often far too easy to overlook. Notice and appreciate the little things because, as I’m convinced, those “little” things in life are really the “big” things in life.
So, as we navigate the craziness of the next few weeks, give yourself the gift of gratitude. Witness the power that can come from it. Remember, it is when we leverage our own personal perspective of gratitude that we will be able to bring joy to the lives of those around us.
Merry Christmas everyone!