| ||
Issue # 23 | To Your Success | December 2005 |
"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting." ----- Elizabeth Bibesco Well here we go; it's almost that time again … are you ready? It seems everywhere we turn there's another reminder that "this widget is the perfect gift" or "that gizmo will make our special someone soooo happy". But what is the perfect gift anyway, and how will we know when we've found it? Will we be able to tell when they open it? Will we know by the look on their face or how they express their appreciation … or must we wait to see if or for how long they actually use it? What if this shiny new whatzit ends up gathering dust in the closet in just a few short months … or maybe even weeks? What DO they really want? What WILL be meaningful? Boy, this 'giving' business isn't such an easy thing at times. It can be pretty stressful. What if we don't get it right? What if. A fairly well known quote, by who I don't recall, has just flashed in my mind and it goes something like this, "It's not what you say or do that I'll remember, it's how you make me feel." "It's how you make me feel." Perhaps there's truth in that. Maybe it's not about the gift at all but rather the intention and thoughtfulness behind it that counts. As I think back over the years to the many gifts I've given and received, the ones remembered most, and most warmly, were those that were obviously thoughtful and truly given from the heart. And as I reflect back on those gifts I realize that although the occasional one was fairly expensive others cost almost nothing at all, at least in terms of dollars and cents. The real currency involved was love and caring thoughtfulness. Another thing that strikes me is that although many of those gifts were given on special occasions many also were spontaneous and for no particular reason … other than love and, again, thoughtfulness. Possibly we're on to something here. Maybe it's not so much about what we give but rather why and how we give it. Are we giving because we feel we have to, or because we want to express our appreciation for the role this person plays in our life. Going back in years I remember the feeling when my wife Kisch would take warm sheets from the dryer and bunch them up around our young son Chris and herself (and yes me too at times) as we all sat close together on the couch. It was so warm and cozy. That was a gift of pure love. Chris has long since married and has his own family but she still does that for me from time to time. I remember how I felt when, upon leaving my previous business after selling my interests there, I received creative, hand made going away gifts from many of those I had worked with … each one unique to the individual and representative either of what we had experienced and built together, or the new direction I was taking. I remember the feeling, while in that same business, of receiving a card from the sales rep of one of our suppliers. In it were a brief personal note and a short magazine article on a topic that was of great personal interest to me. I also remember the feeling of receiving a phone call from a close friend … just to say that I was missed. The more I consider this the clearer it becomes that my feelings towards those who are in my life (and I'm certain it also applies in reverse) are actually a reflection of how they've made me feel through an accumulation of words, deeds and intentions. Although intangible these are very real. So where is this leading us now at this particular time of year? Perhaps it's pointing towards not needing a special occasion at all. Maybe it's telling us that love, caring and thoughtfulness can and should be a year round attitude, a way of thinking and being. Hmmm, an interesting thought. Let's see, Christmas is still a couple of weeks away isn't it? I wonder what we can do between now and then … and after it's over. I do believe I'm going to write out this new intention in my day planner right now to remind me regularly … will you join me? After all, there's absolutely no good reason why we can't we think this way the whole year through, is there? "One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention." ------ Jim Rohn A LIFE CHANGING GIFT IDEA: Is effective communication a challenge in your personal or business life? Do you struggle with understanding why your spouse, children, parents or work teammates behave towards you the way they do, and so often seem to deliberately push your buttons? Do you take it personally? Are you frustrated with the lack of open, considerate communication … especially in your important relationships? If so you're not alone. SO what are going to do about it? Are you willing to take action to create change? Time is far too precious to waste. Take a POSITIVE STEP in a new direction. This holiday season give yourself, and someone important to you, the gift of understanding and effective, meaningful communication. Give 'THE POWER OF COMMUNICATION FOR TEAM BUILDING and SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIPS' … our interactive, fun and highly praised one-day workshop. Start the New Year off on fresh footing. Take responsibility for your relationships. THE POWER OF COMMUNICATION "Excellent value without question! Will help me communicate in my professional as well as personal life. I can do this - I can improve with this! A valuable adjunct to my present skills - to listen and 'hear' people." Dr. G. K. - Dentist >>>>> "Incredible value! Common sense stuff but puts it all into perspective. Thank you again." C. A. - Office Manager >>>>> "An excellent experience. Time and money were not an issue for the things I learned and realized today." E. T. - Supervisor >>>>> "This course has been excellent - learned how to do things I didn't know I wasn't doing. S. B. - Division Manager EARLY BIRD ENROLLMENT - $ 129 - (Payment by Dec. 30) Don't Miss Out - Enroll Now! "Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself." ----- Og Mandino To Your Success, Reg Neufeld and the Growing Into Success Training Team Growing Into Success Training www.growingintosuccesstraining.com SHARE WITH FRIENDS!... If you’re enjoying this free newsletter, why not pass it along by simply forwarding this issue to someone who might appreciate it? Should they wish to receive it regularly they can be automatically added to our subscription list by simply emailing gist@shaw.ca with their name and ‘subscribe’ in the subject box. WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK! … Our intent for this FREE newsletter is that it be brief, informal and include articles, tips or suggestions to help you achieve the life success you desire … and for each one to be of real value to you. Also included are dates, times and locations of some of our upcoming programs. (Complete Calendar of Events on our website.) If you have any comments, questions or suggestions we would love to hear from you. Simply click Reply on your toolbar, jot down your thoughts, and hit send … or email us at gist@shaw.ca. Should you no longer wish to receive ‘To Your Success’, just hit Reply on your Toolbar … type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject box … and we will take you off the list immediately. Thank you. Growing Into Success Training |