Out doing some last minute shopping today for the holidays, I saw:
- Cars fighting over parking spots.
- Shopping carts left carelessly all around parking lots.
- People evidently stressed out on the phone talking with people about gifts.
And towards the end of it all, I had a refreshing encounter with a woman who asked me for advice on a gift she was considering. She was calm, warm, and present. And after I gave her my advice, I asked her if she was ready for it all.
She said, “Honestly, yes. I’m not worried about it because even if I’m short a gift or missing something, I know that gifts aren’t what the holidays are about. So I’m going to celebrate the day as it should be celebrated and be present, helpful, and as joyous as I can be.”
And I think she nailed it.
Don’t miss the forest for the trees this holiday season.
It’s the spirit we bring with us to each of our encounters that counts—not the material gifts.
P.s. In case you missed it, you can read the best of what I posted to MoveMe Quotes last week, here.