30 Oct 2024
At this time of year, many of us think of planning for gift giving. When we give from a sense of Gratitude, we acknowledge the good that is present in our lives and demonstrate our genuine appreciation.
We can let our choice of gift speak for us in a way that perhaps we feel unable to. Care is taken to choose something that represents our thoughts and feelings about the recipient.
That is because our emotions are part and parcel of the gift giving process. We use the season to demonstrate the love, care and connection that we enjoy with others.
Of course, Gratitude does not have to be expressed in a tangible object. We can show our gratefulness in a number of other ways too, such as:
- choosing to spend quality time with loved ones
- leaving notes of kindness and appreciation in unexpected places, and at unexpected moments
- finding ways to give our help and support with needed
- telling colleagues, friends and family how they matter to us, and what they ’bring’ to our relationship
- letting small token gifts, words or actions show our thanks for acts of thoughtfulness
So, take a moment to consider who there is in your life whose kindness merits celebration.
Put your thoughts on others for a while and reflect on a year of working alongside colleagues and living side by side with your closer social groups.
- Who pops up as a regular ‘intentional ‘giver’?
- Who do you call on (and who comes to you without asking) just when you need it?
Consider the unsung heroes in your life who deserve a mention or whose constancy you might like to show your appreciation for.
Now drill down a bit more:
- Who do you work with who has done you a kindness recently?
- Who comes to mind as a person who has given you significant support this past year?
- Might you surprise any one of these individuals with a small gift of gratitude or a word of thanks?
Identify folk who have ‘walked with you’ in some way and who show a willingness to go the extra mile with you.
Perhaps someone is consistently in your corner and helping out with a smile?
Maybe a colleague welcomes you with a kindly expression each day or notices when you need a hand?
How could you let them know their thoughtfulness has been recognised?
This season might be the perfect time to show them how you appreciate their gift of friendship and support.
Small gestures can go a long way to building strong relationships. And when we recognise the good things in our life – however small, we begin to feel better about everything else.
Things can seem less heavy when we notice the light and bright things that lift our day.
We all need to feel appreciated and sadly we often take repeated kindness for granted.
If giving feels uncomfortable, think of some anonymous way of making a positive shout out to someone, or give through the many charitable and sustainable sites available.
Match your preferred method of gift giving to the recipient and try not to get hung up on what comes back.
Start with that list of people who you would like to thank, and then decide the best way to show how your appreciation.
Giving brings benefit to both sides and many people feel that giving gives us back more than we give in the first place.
Let’s all show our gratitude and make the space around us a kinder, more generous place in which to live and work.
Love and light,
Geraldine
I’m now offering tailored School Stress Strategies to help schools work with their exam students.Book a time for a chat at https://www.geraldinejozefiak.com/schedule-a-call and I’ll create 2 lessons and worksheets on aspects you’d like help with
Download your copy of 3 essentials for supporting your students with exam stress at https://www.geraldinejozefiak.com/reaction
Are you looking for CPD Training in Exam Stress or Wellbeing, or need a speaker for your Conference of School event? My time in HMP Education may be just the perspective you’re looking for.