Noah brought Christmas cards for his friends and was upset when his teacher handed them out and she didn't have one for him. "Where's my card?" he asked wondering why all his friends received one and he didn't. As much as his teacher tried to explain, I could see in Noah’s eyes that he didn’t understand and he was disappointed that he didn't get to take one of his cards home.
Noah taught me a big lesson that afternoon, one of sharing and one of caring for ourselves. How often do we make the time to help our friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, charities, etc. and in the end we run out of time and energy for ourselves? How many of us even put ourselves on the list?
The spirit of the season brings out the best in all of us and I know our hearts and intentions are pure... but sometimes, even though we mean well, like Noah we might feel disappointed, sad and even stressed! Many of us might be so busy pleasing others, we neglect to treat ourselves with the same consideration and care we show our friends and love ones.
I needed to show Noah the importance of both giving to others and himself. So that afternoon, when we came home from preschool, we made a special card from Noah to himself, wishing him health and happiness always. It's our plan to read that card along with a list of our family’s dreams and goals for 2011 on New Years Eve.
So this season, give yourself the most valuable gift you can, the gift of time... time reserved only for you, time you can use to do the things you love to do and recharge your batteries! You are only good to your loved ones when you look after yourself. So do it! And do it guilt free!
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