Tom Roehl is one of my best friends and also a Leanness Lifestyle Coach. Every year he shares this message about the Top 10 Christmas Gifts That Might Surprise You. This is worth a read this year, every year, heck, every month, week and day! I hope you enjoy it as I have for many years now.
by Tom Anthony Roehl
As we go through the peak hustle & bustle of the season, I thought this would be a good time to offer a Christmas “Gift” to each & everyone of you.
I wrote this a few years back, have posted this in the past & have had such a positive response I’ve kind of made it an annual tradition to share it with the new friends that have joined Leanness Lifestyle University each year, and of course to all our awesome members as a reminder of the priceless gifts we have to share all year long but especially at this time of year.
These gifts do not cost any $$, however are among the most precious gifts we can give. Gifts that will reach into the heart of those who receive them & can last forever!
Unfortunately, many times, these precious gifts are easily forgotten, or get pushed to the background as we get caught up in hustle & bustle of buying Christmas Gifts, wrapping presents, cooking & baking, decorating, and trying to “fit it all in” over the holiday season.
I hope you enjoy our gift to each of you!
The Top 10 Things to Give this Year & anytime of the year!
1.Your TIME:
How many of us are too busy with our own lives to give our TIME to others? Being busy is an excuse and a reason not to go out of your way. People need you and love you. They want to see you. Let them in. Let them have TIME with you!
2. Your SUPPORT:
How many of us really SUPPORT the people in our lives? What I mean by support is encouragement and reasons to try something new, not 10 different reasons why it won’t work.. Just because it didn’t work for you, doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone you love. And, just because it didn’t work for them in the past, doesn’t mean that it won’t work this time. There’s nothing better than telling a person that they can do whatever they want in this world. And being there to really support them in what they choose to do or become.
3.Your ACCEPTANCE
This may be a toughie for many of us. This means unconditional love and the ability to love someone for who they are and not what you want them to be. It means giving up how you think their life should go, and ACCEPTING them for what they want to do with their lives. This is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to the people in your life.
4. Your ATTENTION:
How many of us REALLY LISTEN to the people in our lives? For everyone who just said “of course I do,” then why are the people in your life asking you to repeat what they just said? It’s because they know that you didn’t hear them. Take a few minutes, stop what you are doing, and FOCUS on the people who you love. Aren’t they worth it? And who knows, you may even learn something that you thought you already knew, about them or about yourself.
5. Your FORGIVENESS:
FORGIVING people for past mistakes and hurts is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. After all they are only human. Plus, none of us are the perfect human being either. Keeping hurt and anger in your life is just an excuse not to get close to people for fear that they will hurt you again. And forgiveness is also a great gift to give to yourself. By forgiving others you free yourself of the burden & weight of anger.
6. Your PATIENCE:
How many of us can’t even be with the people we love because they are taking too long to tell a story or are taking longer than “you think” to complete a project that you think should take less time to get done. How do we know that there isn’t a better way to do something if the people around us always have to do it our way? Having PATIENCE with people shows them that they are respected and loved. This is especially true of our relationships with the elderly. In today’s fast-paced world we are used to going at light speed. We need to remember that for many elderly their world does not move that fast and we need to slow down & have PATIENCE to let them into our hearts & lives. Isn’t this a great gift to give for the holidays?
7. Your LOVE:
People want to know that they are special in your life and that you care about them. If there are things that are keeping you from loving them such as conversations that you want to have with them, but you’re afraid, my advice is to say it. Sometimes you have to take a risk to achieve an open and rewarding relationship. Take the risk and give your LOVE.
8. Your IDEAS:
Sometimes people want to move forward in their lives but they don’t know how. You may know something that they never thought of. And who knows, your ideas may change somebody’s life. So go ahead, don’t be afraid to SHARE what you know! It may be something that could have a positive effect on someones life for years, or a lifetime!
9. Your SMILE:
There is nothing better that entering a room and seeing someone SMILE when you walk in. Right then and there you know that your presence makes a positive difference in their life. A smile is easy. You just grin upward. Plus, you burn many more calories than from frowning.
10. A HUG:
Human touch warms the heart and keeps us connected. In addition, it doesn’t take much effort, it costs nothing, and it makes someone’s day. Couldn’t you find time in your schedule to HUG someone you love today?
You truly are a remarkable bunch of people. THANK YOU ALL for being a part of this great community of support for each other in all our quests for building a better life through building a better & healthier body!
Teri & I want to wish you & your Family a Wonderful Christmas & may the new year be your best ever filled with good health, happiness & joy and bring you all you desire!
Coach Tom & Teri