The Greatest Gift of All - The Gift of Empowerment
by Joy Fisher-Sykes
During the 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
the 'perfect gift.' The 'perfect gift' is one that doesn't wind
up in the 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 the
return counter to open?
Why not invest in a gift that has staying power ' the 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 the 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 the customs and the 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
the past - remember the 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 the 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 the 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 the vast amount of time
we spend commuting, walking on the 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!
* Subscribe to a newspaper or magazine subscription such as
a health, finance, or major newspaper. Why not better your well-being,
develop your financial portfolio or learn more about current
events that affect your life.
The Gift of Goal Setting:
* Set your first goal ' you will make time for self. Even
fifteen minutes alone, in the bathtub or shower, can provide
you with the time you need to just think and find yourself.
Finding yourself means determining what do you want and what
you need. Who else knows you better and who else can give you
what you need. Help someone else find time - barter or give
the gift of time via babysitting or cooking a meal for another
family (now they will have more time for themselves, too).
* Commit to a healthful lifestyle. Diets are great for short
term gain but often fail because they are so difficult to stick
with. Improve your health with a subscription to a health magazine,
buy or rent a video/DVD, join a gym or recreation center, or
purchase a piece of gym equipment. Remember it can only work
if you take action!
* Set financial goals ' financial freedom is a worthwhile
goal that can be achieved with knowledge, planning and commitment.
Whenever you find yourself in a buying situation, ask yourself
'Do I want this item or do I need this item?' I find this a
big help when deciding to make a purchase and not be a slave
to credit card payments. Also, pay by cash and not by credit
card. Start now!
* De-clutter and organize. That mess can make you feel overwhelmed,
confused, and stressed. Less truly is more. Commit to keeping
only what brings you pleasure, love, or need. Organize your
home and office to enable you to find what's there. This in
turn will save you time and money because you won't be going
out all the time to buy what you already have.
I encourage you to start today - share any or all of these
gifts with yourself, family, friends, or colleagues. Remember,
the greatest gift of all is the gift that keeps on giving ' the
gift is empowerment!
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 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, Empowerment
and Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional.
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