Archive for the ‘gifts’ Category
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
It’s time to receive now, as we head into the biggest giving day of the year. I hope you’ve all been inspired and are receive much joy today and tomorrow.
1. Giving to “Toys for Tots” is so much fun. I hadn’t been to the toy store in years. It was interesting and heart warming to pick out a toy for some child in need. Sending love is so good for the giver.
2. I took a friend/client to a Christmas event at the Buckhead Club. I paid for her to go and was paid back in full by sharing her company and her joy from the event.
3. We’ve received so many sweets as gifts this year. We like to stay healthy and it looked like we would get “sugared out”. So, I re-gifted the delicious (and so tempting) Mrs. Field’s Cookie Basket that we received to our wonderful contractors (not an oxymoron, at last). They lit up, and it was delightful to see. My waistline is also very grateful.
4. I gave the gift of attention and appreciation. I asked an attendant at the bank a question. She immediately offered to get the answer for me, which meant taking her time to go across the bank and ask someone else. I was pressed for time and didn’t feel like waiting. However, I could tell that she really wanted to give good service. It made her feel good to help me. So, I waited and thanked her graciously for her time and service. She was pleased and I ended up doing all I needed to do.
5. One of the best gifts I’ve ever given is the one I’m creating for my Mom’s 80th birthday. It’s a Voice Quilt (www.voicequilt). I’ve called and emailed her friends and family. They’ve been calling in to the Voicequilt.com phone number and leaving messages for her – telling about how much they care and stories they’ve shared. It’s so heartwarming listening to the messages. I cry each time I do. And, I’m so excited to see her response. Definitely a wonderful gift.
6. In reference to the above. I found out about Voicequilt from the founder Hope Flammer. She emailed me that she heard me speak 4 years ago and was inspired to create this business. She’s so happy that she did, and I’m so very happy that I was able to inspire her. Sigh.
7. My husband has been out of town and is coming home this evening. He just loves my spinach lasagna and so do I. It will be waiting here for him when he arrives. He’s very excited and I’m going to just love creating this treat for him.
Wishing you all the most joyful of holidays.
Tags: Coaching, counseling, Giving, insight, inspiration, intuition, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, life lessons, self help, transformation
Posted in Coaching, Creating your life, Finding Joy, Giving, Happiness, Intuitive Insights, Life management, Personal growth, Uncategorized, gifts, intuitive counseling, transformation | 4 Comments »
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
It’s been a busy and grateful week. Here are 7 ways of giving while not depleting oneself (in fact, getting rewarded in some cases):
1. I participated in a white elephant gift giving at a party. I received a gift that someone else wanted – some candles that matched her decor. I offered to exchange with her so she could have mine. Hers was coffee, which I wouldn’t mind having. I also saw someone who received a red, glass olive oil bottle that she didn’t want. I asked if she wanted the coffee I now had. She didn’t want either but gave me the olive oil bottle. She said it made her happy to do so. Everyone was happy and I went home with 2 gifts, though I had brought 1.
2. I enjoyed designing holiday cards that my husband’s company printed. I sent 200 cards to clients, family and friends. I’ve received many compliments and return cards back. One person is in Asia and has offered to help me plan my next trip there. Another client realized it was time for a coaching session.
3. I exchanged a Social Networking session with Barbara Giamanco of Talent Builders and gave her an hour coaching session. She loved it and in turn sent a wonderful blog out to all of her vast LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook networks about my upcoming Vision Board workshop (www.theawarenessinitiative.com/speaking.php) and wrote me a recommendation. Can’t wait to recommend her, as well. Social networking is a win-win, give-give situation. Love it.
4. I did a coaching session for a client today who is very financially challenged. I didn’t feel comfortable taking her money and told her that. Instead I gave her motivation to pay me. I said she will owe me the money and pay me when she follows the advice of the session and is on her way to success. Delaying payment was a gift to her. Her payment will be a double gift to me, showing me she’s doing well and is successful.
5. I had an event to go to tonight, but a client asked me to do a coaching session with her daughter. I didn’t tell the client that I had a previous engagement. Instead, I opted to give the session as it was clear the daughter needed it. It seemed the right thing to do. And it was. I was blessed with meeting a wonderful person and enjoyed the session at least as much as she did. It was a real blessing, and more fulfilling than the event would have been.
6. I was asked to go to lunch with a friend so that she could solicit a donation to her favorite charity. I went, had a delicious lunch, enjoyed her company and donated. The conversation progressed and unsolicited she mentioned a friend who was needing some coaching. She’s going to refer her to me.
7. Here’s one from my husband: I gave the Salvation Army bell ringer at the Kroger a cup of coffee and a sandwich. I’ve been told that they aren’t allowed to carry their own money. It was cold and he couldn’t leave his post. My gift was the heartwarming joy of giving and his grateful smile.
Tags: behavior control, business success, Coaching, counseling, Giving, insight, inspiration, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, life lessons, self help, transformation
Posted in Coaching, Finding Joy, Giving, Happiness, Intuitive Insights, Life management, Personal growth, gifts, intuitive counseling | 1 Comment »
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
This morning I awoke after a rough night of little sleep to a reply from Mary McManus (http://bit.ly/5dKE0c) to my Gratitude Challenge. What a wonderful reply it was. It inspired and grounded me in my day.
Here’s how it worked from the beginning. Mary heard me on the Darian and Darius Blogtalk radio show. Being the tremendous social networker that she is, she connected with me on Twitter and Facebook. She tweets me often, sends love and support, and I reply in kind.
The more I share my knowledge and participate in social media, the more relationships I develop with people like Mary. I’ve made friends, learned a great deal, developed business and have helped others by sending info to others about them. It just keeps growing and going. Social media done correctly is a perfect example of a win-win giving situation.
Tags: awareness, business success, Coaching, communication, Giving, intuition, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, lessons, life lessons, relationships, self help, social media, transformation
Posted in Coaching, Creating your life, Finding Joy, Getting It Done, Giving, Growing your business, Happiness, Improving communication, Increasing Awareness, Intuitive Insights, Life management, Personal growth, Power of creation, Present Time, Training, business relationships, gifts, intuitive counseling, success, transformation | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
I had 3 hours to run several errands and I’d planned it pretty tight. Not a problem. I know the roads and I can be a master of efficiency. I refuse to rush, but I can make it all happen quickly.
2 banks, check. Fill-up with gas, check. Eat lunch, check. Home Depot for a part for our insinkerator. The salesperson lead me right to the part I was looking for … almost out of there and WHOA. The salesperson was not happy with my part solution. It was to be a replacement part for the hot water connection. The size was right, it looked right, but he wasn’t sure that it would work for hot water temperatures. He told me he was going to go online and check it out. Then he left.
He was gone a long time. I waited. A part of me wanted to get anxious because I wasn’t on schedule. In the past I may have acted anxious and stressed. Instead I meandered around looking at doors, hot water heaters, people. I found him on the phone. The information wasn’t on the internet and he called and got me specific temperature ranges for this part. Wow. What service. I now know I’ll have to watch this part because it may melt. I don’t have a choice because I can’t get another one, but geez. How great was it to find all of that out? Just by being patient.
What was the gift to him? He never knew that I held back the anxious demon within who could have been curt and maybe even rude. When I left he felt proud and appreciated. He deserved to feel that way. He did a great job. I didn’t get everything I needed to done. But, oh well… there’s always tomorrow. And today was a good day for both myself and a Home Depot salesperson.
Tags: awareness, behavior control, Coaching, counseling, Getting It Done, Giving, intuition, intuitive, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, life lessons, moving forward, patience, relationships, self help, time management, transformation
Posted in Coaching, Creating your life, Efficiency, Getting It Done, Giving, Happiness, Improving communication, Intuitive Insights, Life management, Personal growth, gifts, success, transformation | 2 Comments »
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
It was present wrapping day at our house. My husband and I had purchased several gifts for the holidays and had a few more to purchase online. We enjoyed thinking about our friends and family and picking out what they would like. It was also a lot of fun wrapping the gifts in many papers and decorating them together. We worked well together as a team, and that added to the fulfillment of the day.
Picking just the right gift for someone takes love and insight. And, wrapping can be so fun. It’s a win-win process all around.
Tags: awareness, Coaching, communication, counseling, Getting It Done, Giving, intuition, intuitive, intuitive insight, life lessons, relationships, self help
Posted in Finding Joy, Giving, Happiness, Intuitive Insights, Personal growth, gifts | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
On day 6 of the gratitude challenge my husband and I gave the gift of time and experience. We showed our friends from Toronto around Atlanta and treated them and ourselves to a yummy breakfast at the Flying Biscuit Cafe.
We then took them to see the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We hadn’t been to the Garden at this time of the year, as we considered it out-of-season. We were very surprised and delighted to see the many beautiful plants (and we love plants) that aren’t visible or growing during the warmer months. We all enjoyed and appreciated the experiences of the day, and we’ll now go to the Garden year round.
On Day 7 I began the day by giving my time to a charitable organization that I love. I am on the Board of the Chastain Park Conservancy and we had our very early Board meeting. I get so much out of giving to the organization. I love working with the people on the Board, and am continually impressed by who they are and how they do things. I’m also very gratified when I go to the park and see all of the improvements that we’re making.
Tags: awareness, behavior control, Charity, Giving, intuition, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, relationships, self help, transformation
Posted in Coaching, Creating your life, Finding Joy, Giving, Happiness, Increasing Awareness, Intuitive Insights, Life management, gifts, success, transformation | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Yesterday I gave by not reacting. My mom called and gave me some critical “advice” (A true oxymoron. Criticism is never appropriate advise.). I didn’t argue or complain. I lived with the understanding that she is just that way. She means well. She’ll never change.
I said, “I’ll think about that, Mom. Thanks.” She beamed because she had wanted to help and felt important and validated. Sometimes, it’s important to speak up. Sometimes, not speaking up does the most good.
What was in it for me? I feel so good about myself. I did it. I didn’t argue or complain. It’s taken me my whole life to be able to do that (way long). I’m proud of me and happy that my mom’s happy.
Please share your giving experience by clicking on the title of this blog. There will be a box at the end of the blog where you can type in a comment. I’d love to hear about your experience. Or, you can email me at debhill@theawarenessinitiative.com.
Tags: awareness, behavior control, calm mind, Coaching, counseling, getting along, Getting It Done, insight, inspiration, intuition, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, life lessons, self help
Posted in Creating your life, Giving, Happiness, Improving communication, Increasing Awareness, Intuitive Insights, Personal growth, Power of creation, gifts, intuitive counseling, success | 2 Comments »
Sunday, November 29th, 2009
My friends Norm and Gail are here from Toronto. I had free passes to the High Museum and took them, plus friends Jim and Beverly to see the DaVinci exhibit. I’d been, but buying them headsets, showing them the museum and re-experiencing the exhibit with them was exciting and memorable for all of us.
Please share your giving experience by clicking on the title of this blog. There will be a box at the end of the blog where you can type in a comment. I’d love to hear about your experience. Or, you can email me at debhill@theawarenessinitiative.com.
Tags: awareness, behavior control, change, Coaching, counseling, essential self, Getting It Done, insight, intuition, intuitive coaching, intuitive insight, lessons, life lessons, self help
Posted in Coaching, Creating your life, Finding Joy, Giving, Happiness, Increasing Awareness, Intuitive Insights, Life management, Personal growth, Power of creation, gifts, intuitive counseling, success, transformation | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Gratitude is a gift that we give ourselves. It lightens us and feeds us – fulfills and enlightens us.
It takes one moment to shift from complaining or worrying to gratitude. Just change your thoughts. Step away from the negative jabber that swirls through the brain for one moment and look at all you do have. The Thanksgiving holiday offers a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and experience grace and gratitude. We’ve all experienced many challenges and yet, there is so much to be thankful for: Friends, family, sunshine, good food, animal buddies, the opportunity to experience each day in a new way… (good time to make a list!)
This is also a season of giving. Thanksgiving begins the buying frenzy and we shift into giving mode. It feels so good to give a gift or even a smile when it’s needed. When a gift is done right it fuels everyone involved, especially our heart. It feels so good to give, but it can’t be done for selfish reasons. Here are gift-giving reasons to watch out for:
- Out of obligation.
- Because it will fix someone else. (Not our job. See my book, “Unlimited Life” for a further explanation of this.)
- To change someone, so we will feel better. (Giving a kid candy so she will stop talking is a great example. Another is buying my child a dress to wear to a party, because I think she’ll look great in it. Or, in other words, maybe I don’t want her to wear what she has and loves.)
- Self sacrificing and giving until it hurts.
A note on #4: For many reasons we give of ourselves when we are not able to. This example is often used and is so apropos: If the pressure in the airplane drops, give yourself oxygen before the child or incapable person sitting next to you. Why? What good are you if you can’t breathe? Giving acts in the same way. You have to give to yourself before you can give to others. Giving is then an act of overflowing love, joy and abundance to others – given without obligation or strings.
So here’s the challenge. Each day until December 28, I’m going to give something to someone, while feeding me in some way. I’m also going to look for ways in which I gave without knowing. These are meant to be examples of how my overflowing joy and love helps others. I’m going to list my act of kindness or giving on my blog site. also challenge you to join me and give each day, not until it hurts, but until it helps both you and another.
I’d love to hear about your examples. Comment on this blog, or email me at debhill@theawarenessinitiative.com. Many of us giving because it doesn’t hurt! We can share our acts and help others to get ideas of ways to give and share.
Today my act was simple. I let someone cut in front of me in traffic. It sounds simple. But, I was late for an appointment. There was a lot of traffic with people trying to get home for the holiday. It would be awhile before this person found a hole to slide into. What did I get out of it? Patience. I’m working on patience and faith that I’ll be where I need to be on time. I’m OK with this at other times. I’m not good at being patient in traffic. Today I relaxed, took a breath, helped someone and made it to my appointment EARLY!
OK, it’s small. Small matters. It mattered to the person I let in. Maybe she made it in time to pick up her child from school. Maybe not. Whatever, it felt good to give and grow.
Please share your giving experience by clicking on the title of this blog. There will be a box at the end of the blog where you can type in a comment. I’d love to hear about your experience. Or, you can email me at debhill@theawarenessinitiative.com.
Tags: awareness, behavior control, Coaching, counseling, creative power, essential self, friendship, gifts, Giving, guidance, insight, inspiration, intuition, intuitive insight, moving forward, relationships, self help, transformation
Posted in Coaching, Creating your life, Finding Joy, Giving, Happiness, Intuitive Insights, Life management, Personal growth, Power of creation, gifts, intuitive counseling, transformation | 3 Comments »
