"Rings and jewels are not gifts but apologies for gifts. The only true gift is a portion of yourself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Several weeks ago I was speaking with a client about changing her perspective on how she was viewing a close relative. Although the client loved this person, it was difficult for her to be around them because of this person's negative outlook. I asked the client to make a list of at least 25 good points about this relative - either qualities they admired, hardships this person had to overcome, or things this person had done for them over the years. The point of this exercise was to shift to seeing the person in a different light. I then suggested that they could take the exercise one step further by sharing this list with their relative and making it a special Christmas gift.

More than any gifts you might select for a loved one - a gift from the heart in your words, of things you love and admire in them, will make a lasting impression. And not only will it touch the other person as no other gift can, it will also warm your heart. Who do you know that could use a bit of extra TLC (tender loving care) this holiday season? Rather than agonize over the "perfect” gift, take a few minutes to write down all the wonderful things you know about this person. Think back over the years and recall events that make you smile. What qualities stand out in your mind? In what areas does this person excel? How has this person guided or influenced you? Write down everything that comes to mind.

Use your creativity and imagination to come up with unique ways to present this compilation to your lo

ved one. It could be a humorous poem, a touching story, a scrap book with pictures that are indicative of what they represent to you, a colorful list, or a presentation you create on your computer. Think of inventive ways to produce this gift in such a way that they could look at it often. Ask the most creative person you know for some different suggestions.

I guarantee you will have as much fun creating this gift as the person will have in receiving it. Make a difference this holiday and give this very special gift of the heart to someone that might just need some extra attention or boost this season. Who knows, you might end up changing your perspective at the same time!

Copyright December 2005

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