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It’s the Most Wonderful Gift of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As we deck the halls
and fill the malls, we’re filled with anticipation, joy, and
excitement. The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a special
time we choose to show our appreciation and share our love
with the special people in our lives. However, with all of the
joy the holidays bring, this still tends to be one of the most
stressful times of the year. Why?

Could it be because it’s intoxicating to buy loved ones
whatever their hearts desire – and we’re willing to rise in the
dark of night to shop in the pre-dawn hours for the “gift of
the year”? Ah, yes, the mad dash to the 5 a.m. sale where
you’re guaranteed to be pushed, run over, stepped on, and
after a long wait told “Sorry sold out;” only to then have the
pleasure of standing in a check out line as long as the east
coast. Hum. Do you ever question the sanity of a day like
this in a life that seems to have so little time, and a world
that’s filled with job insecurity, war, and economic ups and
downs? If so, why do you still feel so torn? Could it be
because we’ve allowed marketers, advertisers,
manufacturers, and retailers to shape our outlook and
convince us to buy into their vision of the perfect life? This
life where you shop to create the perfect body, so you can
be with the perfect partner, live in the perfect house, and
drive the perfect car to the perfect job so we can afford the
perfect lotions and potions to forever live the perfect life.
Wake up and smell the perfect hype! The holidays are not
about being manipulated into believing in some artificially
created image that drives sales; it’s about your vision of
giving and sharing the joy your choose to create.

Stress of the season happens when we fret about how our
gift will be received. A disconnect exists when we fear if our
gift is disliked, then somehow we too will be rejected and
denied the friendship, affection or acceptance we so desire.
Although intellectually, we know nothing could be further
from the truth, we may still feel the need to explain away or
apologize for our gifts of love. I say if you hold this to be
your truth and also believe that the worth of your
relationships is based on the monetary value of gifts
exchanged, then I strongly urge you to re-examine and re-
evaluate your relationships.

At a time when many feel compelled to spend more money
(perhaps more than they can afford) yet feel they have less
time, it’s important to focus on the deeper meaning and spirit
of the holidays. Now and in the days to come, regroup and
refocus your energies to give the most priceless gift you
always have to offer – YOU. Truly the most wonderful gifts
of the year are heartfelt, so here are a few you can offer the
whole year through.

1. Create A Moment Moments are magical times when
someone later turns and says, “Remember the time we…”
Moments don’t just happen; they’re created. Moments are
the gifts that keep on giving and that can be relived at any
time over and over again.

2. Unconditional Love and Friendship No judging, no
gossiping, no criticizing – No Kidding!

3. A Random Act of Kindness Give of yourself daily. Acts
both small and large count - choose to donate your time,
energy, or money. You can experience even greater
gratification if you don’t tell a soul.

4. The Gift of Time * Time with yourself to reflect and grow *
Time with others to develop and build powerful relationships
* Time given to others that empowers them to expand their
greatness

5. The Gift of Respect Respect for yourself and others
empowers you to value beauty inside and out. Value the
beauty of your relationships by infusing them with respect
and honoring them with your time.

I encourage you to start today - share any or all of these
gifts with yourself, family, friends, or colleagues. Remember,
the most wonderful gift of all is the gift that keeps on giving!

About the author:
Joy Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and
success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress
management, customer service, and team building. You can
e-mail her at mailto:jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call her at
(757) 427-7032. Go to her web site,
http://www.thesykesgrp.com,and signup for the newsletter,
OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Secrets, Stories, and
Tips for Marvelous Customer Service."

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