Time management tips open new doors to
reach everyone you love. And your time, which costs no money, may be the
unique gift that shines through the years in people's memories.
This truth reaches past simple
sentimentality. If you question how the gift of your time compares to a
gift that reaches deep into your wallet, consider these three factors:
-
Your gift of time can be put to the greatest use.
In these chaotic times, demands tug us
in every direction. Often it takes considerable presence of mind to
navigate daily challenges. Who do you know who does not
deeply appreciate being closely seen and actively supported?
-
Your gift of time declares, "You matter to me!"
You want to spend more time with those
you enjoy. Are your friends and family any different? Each time you
share extra time with others in a special way, you celebrate your
connection and deepen your healthy bonds. It's truly a gift that
gives twice; as you demonstrate that others matter, you experience
directly that you matter, too.
-
Your gift of time is priceless.
By gifting someone with your time, you
give a piece of your life. Compare the memories of time spent with
your favorite object with the memories created with those you love.
Which count for the most? Was the expenditure of money primary or
secondary?
This is the perfect time to create a
gift that may be modest in cost but sky high in value. And you can offer
your unique gifts of time in ways that bring laughter, surprise, and
that warm the heart. Here are some simple guidelines:
Gift
Idea Guidelines When You Give Your Time:
- Celebrate unique qualities.
Your gift ideas mean the most when
they celebrate what makes the recipient special in your life. When
you offer your time, actively acknowledge what makes them special to
you. And give thought to how they move through your life. What keeps
them going in tough times? Caring? Determination? Spirit? Ingenuity?
Humor? Resilience? Put it in words when you offer your time -
perhaps in a card. By celebrating their essence, you demonstrate
both your respect and others' profound value to you. For example, if
your friend in another state volunteers in a soup kitchen, perhaps
you can donate time at a similar organization in your town. Or help
your favorite inventor run tests on his latest gadget.
- Choose a supporting role over a
helping handout.
People
generally appreciate support more than help. If the distinction
seems difficult to make, ask yourself this question: "What can I do
to encourage others' efforts without undermining their autonomy or
initiative?" Allow the recipient to direct your efforts, and don't
take over the project in your enthusiasm. If your friend is painting
her bedroom, for example, swallow that impulse to suggest
improvements to her color scheme!
- Match activities you enjoy to
projects your friend procrastinates over.
Whether it's setting up holiday
lighting, programming a new cell phone, or cooking for a crowd,
there is undoubtedly a pastime others would welcome your
participation in. List what you like to do and compare it to chores
that keep falling off another's To-Do List. There's your gift!
Present Your Present
You receive a double benefit by
offering a special card or certificate that specifies your gift. First,
it's fun to open a gift envelope. Second, you provide a clear offer for
mutual reference. This can eliminate many embarrassing misunderstandings
down the road! If you can only donate your time during certain days or
times, put this in writing, too. If you are not artistic, don't worry:
free, printable certificates abound online.
Take a few moments to jot down your
lessons as you give your gifts of time. Which ones are you happiest
about and why? The more you stretch yourself by offering time, the more
you discover about yourself and about your friends and family. Welcome
this as the precious gift it is. Through giving of yourself, you're
allowing new opportunities to develop intimacy, clarity, camaraderie,
and flexibility. And those gifts will carry through into all areas of
your life.
