The Gift of YOU!
There’s nothing quite like the perfect gift under the Christmas tree. It’s the one that has been meticulously wrapped in festive paper as smooth as can be. The bow shines bright as it reflects the illumination of hundreds of twinkling lights glistening from the tree. It sits anxiously awaiting that special someone to open it and reveal what’s on the inside because it’s there where the true gift lies.
What if I told you that this holiday season and every single day of the year, the best present that you could ever give or receive is the gift of YOU?
I know that may sound corny or arrogant to some, but there’s nothing quite like that person who walks not in cockiness, but confidence, knowing the gift that they sincerely are. They hold their head high and shine just like that beautiful bow reflecting the light that gleams above it. They know that their worth is priceless because they are uniquely made and one of a kind. You can’t put a price on that.
But what if I told you that each and every one of you has this gift, but some never see, give, or use it?
Imagine that perfect gift I discussed earlier once again in all its splendor. Now picture that that gift just sits in a closet, never to see the light of day. It never gets the praise it deserves or the joy of being given to anyone. It never reaches its full potential because the gift is treated as if it’s not worth such glory. It’s a very sad thought.
How many of us do this to ourselves? We don’t see the talents, exceptionality, or matchless beauty that we each possess. We discredit what we bring to the table which is usually an immense amount. We tend to be our harshest critics and worst enemies many days, and this can come in numerous ways.
For one, we compare ourselves to others. It’s been said that comparison is a thief of joy, and it’s one hundred percent right. When we measure ourselves to others’ successes, looks, and lives, it’s an injustice to what makes us stand out from others, to begin with. We see filtered photos on social media that depict these pretty little lives that we wish that we had; however, many of these people don’t even look like the pictures that they post with the double-edged sword that is a good filter, and what you don’t see in those life moments are the ugly ones that nobody likes to share on their news feeds. We also have no idea what price was paid and the hard work that was put in for that person to be where they are. We must stop using others as a measuring stick because they are imperfect themselves, and that is a beautiful thing to be different from one another.
Another way that people fail to see the gift that they are is by holding onto the past instead of looking to the future. It’s easy to beat ourselves up in hindsight. The “should of’s,” and “could of’s” of life must be viewed as weapons in our arsenal of self-criticism. I don’t care what Hollywood has portrayed in movies. You absolutely can’t go back in time, and you can’t change what has happened. We all make mistakes and have moments that aren’t so pretty to look back on. Most of us have also had people hurt us deeply. I can tell you what that person said to you or did to you does NOT define you. You can forgive and let go of that pain. It’s not for their sake but your own. Shame and unforgiveness will keep you in bondage and blind to how amazing you truly are. Our pasts are just reminders of how far we’ve come, how strong we are, and many lessons learned.
We also tend to put other “gifts” in the limelight before ourselves. It’s easy to hide behind kids, work, spouses, or anything that is not ourselves. While these are incredible gifts in your life, you must also see the worth in finding YOU. There’s nothing quite like soul searching and discovering exactly who you are. When we only think about others, we tend to push ourselves to the back burner. You can be there for others while making yourself a priority as well! You’ve heard the saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you see yourself as the gift that you are, you give others the best version of the person in the mirror. Everyone benefits in this way!
So, how can we begin to change the way we view ourselves? It starts with knowing the value that you possess. It doesn’t come from a number on the scale, another person’s view of you, or a job title. It simply is what it is. You had value the moment you entered this earth, and that has never changed. Take the time to look in the mirror every day and list five qualities that you hold inside and out until you start to believe them. There is power in your words, and sometimes, it takes hearing those statements especially from your own mouth.
You must also start to let go of those things that you cannot change. A gift may be wrapped perfectly and look beautiful, but nobody sees the manufacturing and shipping process. Nobody sees the refining that had to happen to get that gift to the shelves. Nobody sees the hours of darkness or lack of glamour that comes in that truck that carries that gift to its destination, yet it doesn’t take away from that glorious moment of receiving it. Your dark moments are just a part of the process of creating the ultimate gift that is YOU. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them to propel you even further in life.
You may not be sitting under a tree wrapped in paper and a bow, but you are the greatest gift this holiday season not just to yourself, but to others around you. It’s time to illuminate and shine brightly.
