The Joy Of Giving

I do like, to show my appreciate for others. It brings me a lot of joy, it always has. And gifts are wonderful things and a wonderful way, in which to do that. Choosing perhaps, to give someone, something that goes beyond, the material world.

It all depends, on what you consider a gift, to be.

Because, each encounter we have with someone, can be a gift in itself.

I think, it really is important that we take the time to, celebrate one another, it´s something we really don´t do enough of it. But it´s not easy, growing up in a world, which projects the idea, that we only deserve gifts at certain times of the year. On special occasions and the like.

You know that feeling you get, when you meet someone while you are out and about and they really uplift you. With their presence and how they engage with you. What better gift is there than that? That´s the real question to answer.

We need to really think about, what it is, that makes us happy. That brings us, to the life that we really, really want and not this version that has been projected onto us. That is definitely how I feel about it anyway.

I don´t think we should have to wait until certain dates, in order to gift someone, that we care about. And I really believe that we need to move away from this culture, where bestowing lots of material gifts on people, is seen as a reflection of how much we care about them.

Suddenly there are huge levels of expectations placed upon us, by others and by ourselves. There should be nothing stressful about gifting someone. Instead you should feel excited. It should be an act of true expression.

But alas, it has been hijacked, like so much else.

It really is all about perception, how we wish to see the world and where we wish to be within it. Of course it is nice to receive presents, but we have moved further away from giving personal presents and instead it is whatever is popular at that time.

There was a time, where the gifts we gave, were hand made, either by oneself or someone you knew, someone who was from the community. But we have moved, very far away from that. Perhaps you are happy with that, me, I´m not.

I do buy gifts for my friends and families, on their birthdays. I also make gifts for them as well. I like to buy local, especially the last few years of my life. If I am going to give my money to someone, I like for it to go to the person that made the item. Making that connection ,creating a cycle, of giving and receiving.

But most importantly, is the gift we can give someone of ourselves and no that does not mean sexually (although with the right person, it very well, may be). Instead it is the gift of being present for someone, standing by them, listening to them. Opening up to them and really seeing them, coming from the heart.

The gift of human connection, the greatest gift of them all!

When I read the latest prompt by the wonderful Minimalist Community, which invited us to write about gift giving and the expectations we may have and the anxiety that it may bring on. I wanted to share a different perspective.

Another way of gifting, that is empowering for all involved. Seeing it as a wonderful opportunity for self expression and gratitude. One that is beautiful, instead of tied in with feelings of guilt, which have been fed by others and our own expectations.