When I was a kid, I was always so enthusiastic about celebrating my birthday- every year- year after year. Yes - to be able to sit like a princess & go through my booty at the end of the day. While some gifts still sit pretty on the mantle, some have been misplaced, sneaked out by cousins and few tucked away by my mom which she didn’t think fit for me.
Over the years, the big bashes have thinned down to close gatherings or just a few friends over dinner/lunch.The gifts still pour in but the focus has now moved from the materialistic to the intangible - gifts of love.
I read this quote say 10 years ago(Chicken Soup For The Soul)’The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.’ - Helen Keller. But it is today that I fully comprehend it’s depth.
I have come to realise that it’s these gifts of the heart which we & others need the most n it’s these which are mostly in short supply:)
So, here is my list of gifts which I do try to gift as much as possible, hope it’s a hearty guide;)
1.TIME: The best gift you can give anyone be it your grandparents, parents, friends, your beloved is your time, which you specially earmark for them and no one intrudes this.It is important to spend enough time with your loved ones so that you get a chance to understand them, to know what makes them tick & to grow wid them.
GENUINE INTEREST(Listening): How would you feel if u were making an important point & u find your best friend busy munching his/her fav. food? I’m sure bad. So, whenever anyone shares something with you, listen to them with all your attention- coz they trust you with it - u really are listening.A good listener is always sought after & a trusted friend.
HUGS & KISSES(Unlimited): Physical affection cements any bond; a reassuring hug, a peck on the cheek re- energises anyone. Remember’Jadoo Ki Jhappi’?
If someone’s feeling low a hug can really do the trick of a chocolate n u’ll be saving the person a whole lot of calories;)
I LOVE YOU: If u love someone, here i’m referring to any form of love; please go right away & let them know u do. Don’t wait to say it on their tomb stone, for you will regret it. For if u share love it multiplies and an I love you has a lot of feel-good-factor attached to it. Don’t make an occasion of it- simply catch your mom from behind while she’s doing the dishes & n u’ll know what I mean:)
FRIENDSHIP:’ A friend is a gift we give ourselves’; how true. First learn to be a friend and rest will fall in place:) We all need friends to be with us through tough times, good times.so on. So be there, be available - give yourself to someone who needs you.
P.S: You don’t have to wait for a special moment/occasion/event/day to give the above listed gifts, now is the moment - Go Ahead and make someone’s day special & before I close,
A’Jadoo Ki Jhappi’ for all MS Members!