posted by Genene Valleau
Current Project: Chasing Rainbows novella
Status: My status is busy! And the project is waiting until I get my office moved!
A friend of mine sent me one of those forward-to-ten-of-your-closest-friends-within-the-next-ten-seconds-or-your-brain-will-implode e-mails. But that's a whole different topic than what I chose for this blog. :)
This particular e-mail resonated with me. It was titled "Getting old and loving it." Some of the content was, "...As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging."
The great freedom that comes with aging.
Sounds like a a wonderful gift to give ourselves. But why wait until we are older to enjoy this freedom or to share this and other intangible gifts with each other? This may be especially appropriate at this gift-giving time of the year. Here are just a few intangible gifts I thought of:
--Laughing at the same joke the DH has told at every gathering for years, or NOT telling your 12-year-old son's peers that he still wants a hug from mom (or dad!) at bedtime.
--Sending e-mail support and cyber (((hugs)))--thanks for expressing hugs like that, Debbie, I like it!--or cheers for writing accomplishments to friends.
--How about a smile and sympathetic comment to the obviously overwhelmed clerk in the department store who just rang up the most expensive item in your cart twice?
--Encouragement for someone who just had the same surgery your sister endured last year; or a kind word or extra prayer for someone whose trials tug at your heart.
--Giving our pets an extra scratch behind the ears for no particular reason.
What are some of the intangible gifts you share with others?
5 comments:
An ear that listens to your troubles and trials.
Those are all great intangible gifts, Genene!
I got that email, too, Genene, and being awash in the uglier side of aging right now, I decided it was meant for middle aged people, not truly elderly.
I love your intangible gifts though I would argue that some of them are downright tangible and a hundred times more useful than another doodad. Listening is truly a gift, and holding your tongue when you would like to point out what mistake was made by another (which you suspect they already know) now, that's still another.
I'll add being there. Being available, emotionally and physically, for the good and the bad.
Timely blog.
Paty, an ear that listens--great one!
Alice, I think you're right about that e-mail being for those who are still enjoying life. And, you're so right--some of those "intangibles" are priceless and can truly change lives.
I love your gift of holding your tongue. I should have that one tattooed on my tongue to remember--or on my brain so that I think before "I told you so" pops out.
And being there is huge, isn't it? For you with your mom. For Kendra and Eli and Wavy and Danita with their young children. And those of us with grandkids, to say nothing of spouses **grin**, siblings, and all the rest of the people in our lives.
And lest all of this sounds like we should "sacrifice" all that we want, giving ourselves "intangible" gifts such as pursuing our dreams is a wonderful example for our kids and grandkids and all our family.
I like the last one, Genene. Pursuing your dreams. I sometimes feel guilty over the fact I'm not "that" mom who does arts and crafs with her kids every day, has hot cookies waiting when they walk in the door and slathers them with attention when they're around. But you just reminded me that I'm giving my kids something almost as valuable - I'm showing them that if they work hard enough, they can do anything they want. Become anything they want. And that dreams are worth working for.
Perhaps not "almost" as valuable, but of equal value? Besides, guilt is wasted energy that could be used for dreams or cookies or cuddles!
And haven't you seen those pre-cut cookies at the store? Turn your darlings loose with some frosting and candy sprinkles and they will also learn how to be self-sufficient--yet another "intangible" gift!
By the way, if you're still up, you're working too hard! My doggies are telling me it's time for bed and a snuggle. I think they're right!
Post a Comment