Moments As Gifts

To read this later, or send to another, here is a link

Giving gifts to others is a way for us to build connection and show gratitude. There is a wonderful feeling when we give the "just right" gift at the "right time". The holidays are filled with gift giving. What if you expand your gift giving in a simple, inexpensive, but meaningful way?

Moments in time are gifts we all receive. A warm memory about a time in the past is a gift. The opportunity to gather with others in celebration of the end of the year is a gift. A reminder of how fortunate we are in so many ways is something we can cherish. An opportunity to share a smile, a warm complement, or a shared experience is a moment with meaning.

You probably know someone who is going through a hard time during the holidays. Perhaps it is a health issue. Maybe they are reflecting on a lost one who won't be around for this holiday. You can gift a moment of your attention. Reach out with a text, call to tell them you are thinking of them, or invite them for a coffee or drink.

We can use a moment of time to gift someone who cannot repay us. Isn't that what Santa does?

You can take a moment to be more generous with your tip for that harried grocery worker, barista, or restaurant server this holiday season when everyone is in a rush. You can thank those same people for their help, or engage them in a little conversation. Buy from a local business. Put some money in the Salvation Army pot that you typically ignore in the rush.

You never know what impact your kindness, or your simple gesture of connecting in a genuine, nice way with someone might do for them. We know others get plenty of harsh comments or are ignored all too often. Why not be the person they remember for a moment of kindness?

When you treasure moments as gifts to give to others, the moments become much more real. We don't need a magic hat like Frosty the Snowman, we just need to pay attention to that moment: a thought that crosses our mind, noticing someone, a reaction we have to something, or situation we can turn into an opportunity.

Give a lot more "Moment gifts" this year - your attention and intention. I promise it will not be thought of as a "white elephant". In fact, you may be someone's not-so-secret Santa. Make Moments Matter