Offer your gifts in the giving season.
We’re in the season of gift-giving and so I’m taking this opportunity to encourage you to generously share your special gift with the world.
This end of year push brings on the collision of work, social, family and holiday pressures, and with it comes the often experienced overwhelm of timelines, accountabilities, showing up as your best self, managing personalities, all of which inevitably ends in exhaustion; what else did we think was going to happen?!
That exhaustion summarizes the various words leaders have been using when they’re sharing how they’re doing. From overwhelmed and stressed, to tired and fed-up, our energy has been depleted and we’re functioning at low tanks as we edge to the finish line. This spot also gets our defenses up, like a superhero using their deflecting armbands to ward off any unnecessary curveballs that also come our way, which they most certainly will.
A place of exhaustion often puts us on the defensive, but I’m giving you a nudge to tap into that special offering you have that adds to the lives of others, which will also add betterment to yourself as well. When you give away your gift it’s the most natural part of you, it’s easy, it’s energy fuelling, all of which helps to counteract the exhaustion. And it pulls you back to being centred in yourself, rather than that laundry list of to-dos.
Do you know what that gift is? Hopefully you’re aware and proud of the quality that brings positivity to others. The results could be a sense of calm, a moment of joy, some levity within strain, a feeling of grounding, or many others. But what is it that you do to bring on that reprieve? I’m listing a few here to help remind you of yours and if you’re still having trouble identifying what it is I encourage you to ask a trusted confidant.
Listening intently, allowing others to be heard and valued;
Enthusiastically recognizing another’s success, reminding them, and others, how special they are;
Joking, as the resulting laughter reduces stress;
Sharing a personal story, helping bridge personal connections;
Sharing honestly with struggles, to build trust;
Connecting people, to grow their networks;
Giving hugs, because everyone needs a hug sometimes, even those of us who may not offer or ask;
Naming good qualities in others, we all benefit from this reminder;
Friendly smiles and words, as they go a long way in uplifting someone’s day;
Baking snacks, when our stomachs are full so are our hearts!
So as we’re ploughing through and getting to the multiple finish-lines awaiting us, remember that the fiscal, emotional and cognitive load can be countered by sharing your special gift with everyone around you. This will help replenish the depletion you’re feeling and positivity to others. What you give away with ease generously makes a compounded impact, and isn’t that what this season is all about?!