'Tis The Season
by
Dyana Ray
Birds singing, waterfall splashing, yellow rubber duckies swimming, are the sights
and sounds I enjoy each morning as I walk through the patio door with coffee and pen in
hand. This morning is cooler; fall is definitely in the air which makes me realize soon
winter will be here and with it the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
I love the holidays, don't you? Most people are friendlier as they run to do their grocery
shopping for the baking and special feasts, looking for that special gift for a certain
someone, and finding last minute stocking stuffers for the children in their lives. Some
truly enjoy all the rush. Others used to and are now finding it very stressful. There are
even those who have called it quits and taken the "bahhumbug" attitude - some
not bothering to participate at all.
Tis the Season, and we are all giving, and that's what it's all about, isn't it? Yes it
is; it's also about receiving.
Have you ever noticed someone whom you've given a present and they never open it in front
of you? The occasion doesn't matter. Are you one of these people? Most people find it easy
to give and share it's what we've been taught.
What about receiving? My obser-vation is this is more difficult. Is it because of earlier
childhood expectations not being met and resulting in disappointment? Maybe it's due to
feeling undeserving? Or because you don't have the money to reciprocate for an expensive
gift. This is a concept I have a difficult time understanding, because it truly is the
thought that counts. I always appreciated receiving more expensive gifts from someone who
could afford to spend more; and it didn't bother me to give them a gift within my budget.
I certainly don't expect my friends with smaller budgets to buy trying to impress me. I'm
appreciative; I'm also aware of what they are doing to their budget when giving an
expensive gift, therefore putting me in a position of feeling guilty about their
extravagance.
On the other side, I give what I think a person would enjoy and, if it's out of their
budget range, why not give them something outside their realm? I always enjoyed receiving
gifts from those who could afford more. I was delighted as I had something nicer in my
possession, and it gave me the impetus to strive for creating more. Just because I
couldn't afford to buy for myself didn't mean I couldn't have it!
When buying for friends and family who have less, I make a point of purchasing items I
know they would like to have and just can't afford right now. Maybe it's a book, a gift
certificate for favorite hobby supplies or even a mall gift certificate so they can choose
what they most would like to have. When I find something they would enjoy, it doesn't
matter the price. If I find a $4 gift in which someone would find delight - guess what!
That's what they'll get. I don't go around and try to find something that will show I've
spent $50! It is the thought that counts.
If you find yourself "having" to buy and not finding anything, then maybe you
need to stop and think about what you are doing. Because now the thought behind it isn't
all that wonderful, is it? Achy feet, frustrated feelings and "I just wish this was
finished" thinking doesn't lead to harmonious thoughts or choices.
What about you? Do you remember to give yourself a gift? This is also about receiving and
deserving. Many years ago a friend and I went Christmas shopping and didn't find a thing
for others. Everything we saw was for us. So we bought ourselves a Christmas gift; then we
were able to find for others with no problem. Since then, I always buy some-thing for
myself - I deserve it!
How do you receive gifts? Is it with joy and delight, or dread and embarrassment? Is it
with guilt? Is it with, "you shouldn't have" translated "I don't deserve
this" and now resentment, "I have to go find something for you." If you
have trouble receiving gifts, where else does that show in your life?
You are blocking the flow of abundance if you can't receive openly. Is your bank account
low because that last raise was only a few pennies? We have to open ourselves, our hands
to receiving from whatever direction it appears in our life. If you are uncomfortable
receiving gifts, then chances are you are also uncomfortable receiving from God/the
Universe (whatever term appropriate), and are therefore blocking yourself from other
things. Giving is just half the process. To complete the circle, you have to be open to
receiving. If your hands are closed, then how do you expect to receive all you desire and
deserve? Open your hands; receive the gifts of love, for that's what they are Love. We can
never receive too much love in our life, can we? Tis
the Season for giving and receiving. How do you receive - with a closed or open hand? It's
your choice. Happy Holidays and I wish you Balance, Abundance and Joy!
Diana is a
writer, motivator, healer and workshop facilitator.
Phone 970-858-8895,
e-mail dyana@diamondunicorn.com,
or visit http://www.DiamondUnicorn.com
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