This is about Co-Creation. This about truly valuing who you are. About recognizing what we all, in our hearts, really wish to receive from each other. About affirming what really matters and makes a difference in our lives and the lives of those we love.
I'm big on experiential learning, thus I offer a simple 5 step exercise for completing your holiday gift-giving list. All you'll need is paper and something to write with.
1. Write a list of the family and friends that you want to give a very special gift to this holiday season.
2. Answer the following questions:
During the past year, did you devote some attention towards learning to value yourself more? YES NO
Looking back on your childhood, what did you, as a child, most want and need more of from your parents/caretakers? Answer with single words or short phrases. (for example, love, companionship, attention, adventure, believing in me) As an adult, what do you want more of in your life?
3. Watch this video:
4. Take a few moments to consider the possibility that giving of yourself might be the most treasured gift you could give. If I gave the gift of myself to those on my gift list, what would that look like? What would that feel like? What would this mean about how I value myself?
5. Look at the list you prepared in Step 1 and decide what special gift of yourself you could give to each person on your list.
Here are a few thoughts and ideas to spark your creativity....Did you ever make and give a coupon book to your parent with coupons for things like breakfast in bed, a back rub, helping to make dinner or wash the car? Giving the gift of yourself lends itself well to handmade coupon books and gift certificates.
For children:
An afternoon playing cards or board games
A walk through the park in search of where the elves and faeries live
Making cookies or a gingerbread house together
A scavenger hunt
A nature adventure to discover who lives under the rocks
A summer afternoon playing in the sprinkler
Five coupons for reading a story
A magical tea party
For adults:
A mini one day/afternoon vacation
Valentine's Day party
Taking a cooking or art class together
A special surprise adventure day
Helping with a big project
I will teach you something you want to learn from me
A magical tea party
When you give the gift of yourself, you are giving your loved one the opportunity to come together and co-create special moments, the moments that nurture our hearts and spirits, the moments that people treasure and remember.
