When you answer that for yourself, is the first thing that comes to mind some ‘thing’ such as a tv, tablet, purse, kitchen gadget, power tool, or whatever the latest gizmo may be.
If it is, that’s just fine. This is and always will be a zero-judgment zone. I would say it’s good to have ‘that’ type of a list in some form – why wouldn’t you want some entertainment, luxury upgrade, or hobby add-on. Otherwise, we are just paying the bills, eating the food, and starting over next month.
It’s okay to want things and you should give yourself permission and feel deserving of whatever does in fact come to your mind to put on your next purchase list.
Sometimes even those things add value beyond the purchase or utility. It might be with your own self-image or saving you time or creating memories or enhancing your life.
However, I’d guess for most of you the first thought that came to mind when you read that question was not a thing. Instead, it might have been a person, perhaps some experience, or potentially some ideal that you’d like to see realized.
Maybe it’s a quiet evening together watching a Christmas movie, a dream vacation you want to plan, having more family dinners, time to read books you enjoy, or seeing your friends more often.
Here’s what I know… most people feel guilty about ‘wanting’ anything and that’s an unhealthy approach to take. Of course, I want you to be responsible with your money and not cause added stress by over doing materialistic things at the expense of financial security but there is balance and moderation to everything.
Most people like you and me when we think about the Holidays and especially Christmas we think about what we want to do for or give to others. It’s a theme we carry forward through the entire year. And it’s not just inside of your practice but also outside of your practice in your personal life.
Again, just like spending versus saving, there is balance to all of this. It’s great to give to others (and not just in money but also in what we talked about last week, in time, in attention). Just remember you can’t give what you don’t have.
Find a balance and be okay with both… giving to others and also giving to yourself.
Whatever first comes to mind on your Christmas wish list, if it’s important enough to think about, dream about, or write about, then it might be important enough to forego waiting around and hoping it is magically gifted to you in some way. Instead, commit to making it happen and take the actions necessary to earn it; whatever ‘it’ is.
We’ll talk ‘New Years’ next week. For now, I’d strongly considered ignoring what gifts you want to unwrap for a single holiday and focus on the gifts you want to keep with you all year long – whether those are people, places, experiences, or anything else.
If you are together as a team, take time to listen to everyone share some gifts they most want to give to others and to themselves this year that will bring lasting meaning and happiness.
I’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah. And most of all, I’d like to wish you peace and joy while you celebrate and cherish the Holidays.
