During
year, a variety of celebrations – birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions – call for a gift of some kind. We sometimes work ourselves into a frenzy trying to come up with “perfect gift.” The “perfect gift” is one that doesn’t wind up in bottom of a drawer or a gift receipt because no one in his/her right mind would return it (after all it’s perfect.) Or have you ever received a gift and couldn’t wait for return counter to open? Why not invest in a gift that has staying power – gift of empowerment. The gift of empowerment is a gift that keeps on giving, enabling one to enhance and further his or her personal development and achievement. An empowering gift is one that keeps on giving whole year through and, if we’re lucky, beyond.
Here are three empowering gift ideas:
The Gift of Change * Enjoy cuisine of a culture other than your own. Learn about a culture other than your own. Learn customs and cuisine, or purchase a piece of clothing which can provide insight and an appreciation of others.
* Realize no one is perfect. Don’t beat yourself up about past - remember past doesn’t define your future – only you can do that. See and accept only positive people and thoughts in your life.
* Change someone’s life for better; do a good deed. A good deed has multiple payoffs for everyone. You can make life a little easier or enable others to accomplish something they may not have been able to on their own. The size of a good deed is not of importance – only that you did something for someone else. The payoff for you – as commercial says, “priceless.”
The Gift of Knowledge
* Expand your knowledge with books. Seeking new information expands our mind and can develop our spirit. No time to read you say, books on tape (especially motivational tapes) are a great way to squeeze in learning during vast amount of time we spend commuting, walking on treadmill, or waiting at a doctor’s office.
* Take a class at an adult learning center or community college. This inexpensive option allows you to further your knowledge and increase your potential.
* Join Toastmasters! It’s not just for public speakers. This dynamic international organization empowers you to increase your communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. This is a must for anyone who interacts with people – ever!
