As I was pondering what to write on today, this topic came to me…the gift that keeps on giving. What are the gifts you give yourself or others each year at Christmas that can be long lasting? Now I’m not talking about material gifts. Do you give the gift of kindness to those loved ones in your life? Do you give yourself the gift of self-love when you might be quick to condemn yourself? Do you draw on the emotional resource of compassion toward those less fortunate than you? Or the gift of self-discovery by developing a relationship with yourself? These gifts tend to keep going on and on and are not left with empty wrappers on Christmas day. Gifts you receive typically are just temporary pleasures that don’t support your inner well being. How much enjoyment can you really get over the long haul with a new electronic device, beautiful jewelry, or even sexy nightwear?

I love this time of year because I think it’s a great time of year to focus on how I want to feel during the holiday season. Giving yourself these gifts will equip you to have a more enjoyable holiday time and be able to move into the new year with more fulfillment. Instead of being let down, people can grow in understanding of who they want to become. Becoming a giver rather than a receiver of good gifts can jump start your new year!

So take time to contemplate on what you have to give. Are you the person people lean on to step in to meet a physical need? Or are you the compassion listener? Do you want to give your time to a child that needs you? Are you the one that loves to nurture others through your cooking? And most important give some time to yourself for listening and self-discovery. It will do a lot to help you shift out of the moodiness that sometimes happens during the holiday time.

If you would like to receive a complimentary discovery session I offer these initial 30 minute sessions at no cost. That is a gift to you! This may be an added bonus for the season to prepare you for the New Year. Email me or call from my website info www.renewedlifecounseling.com.