The Gift that keeps on Giving

Many think a gift comes wrapped up with love, good or relatively good paper, and a note, that bears a good message and its sender but if you look at life in that view you may be receiving gifts during birthdays and Christmas if you are lucky enough. For me, my gift came fashioned in a different setup. Filled with confusion, unnecessary lifestyle changes but I couldn’t ask for it any other way. We have been giving COVID-19 the upper hand and have not been able to see life from a different perspective. Sometimes we just need to see; open our eyes and read not too much into the nitty-gritty happening around you. Only then will you see what I have constantly seen.
A little background story; the year started a bit bumpy than I could have anticipated and it was in those moments I chose to face every obstacle thrown at me with a bit of positivity. It was hard, a few tears were shed in the process but we always woke up confessing good vibes regardless. Then the pandemic was upon us, bringing the whole world to a standstill, and didn’t fail to do so in my life. At first, it was a great chance for me to catch a breath from all that had been going on and focus on areas I wanted to improve on but didn’t get the time to.
It is in those 6 months that I was able to ask the hard questions, those that often felt and feels uncomfortable to answer. It started with adopting new habits, to breaking the monotony that schedules brought, to finally being comfortable in my own space. In it all, I discovered so many things about myself, letting go of others and embracing those that befitted me. Tearing down and rebuilding is never easy but is very therapeutic.
Fast forward to early October, to when I started writing this article, surprising, right? I had to put a hold on some aspects of my life to ensure what I was doing then had my undivided attention. Let’s get into those gifts:
One of them came in the form of the value of time, with others and me; a boundary I have clearly defined. Respect yourself enough to have it well laid out even for others to see, and cherish spending time with those you enjoy their company.
Growth is another gift I can’t overemphasize, I mean, their many ways to do so, don’t be sucked into that cozy couch. It is dangerous. Do something new, challenge yourself, but be careful not to bite more than you can chew.
Investing in hobbies came with much fulfillment. From working or learning Monday to Friday it goes without saying you need a release. Sleep doesn’t count as a hobby so I don’t expect you to sleep the whole weekend either. With that in mind, take time to try out new things and reignite old things that were fun for you that you had stopped doing. Mine has been outdoor activities, that adrenaline with some sunshine is a perfect scene.
Lastly, get in touch with yourself. This gift is one that can make your life a bit healthier. This cuts across from therapy, to spirituality and, to journaling. These three things, I have seen them work for those around me and even myself. Pick one and run with it, if you can apply all of them, then the better. This just makes you conscious of who you are and why you behave or feel a certain way. This even helps you to process what is happening around you, which are triggers for most of us.
I will conclude by saying, for you to notice gifts in any season, just actively look for them. Maybe on that bad hair day, you learn to DIY and save some pennies; even when locked up in the house you may finally get off take-outs and learn to prepare a legit meal. Some things just require a little push and that push is what we should be grateful for. Find beauty in the pain they say, and in the same breath, find your gift(s).