One of the greatest gifts you can give to another is freedom.
And I’m not talking about the kinds of gifts that are given on birthdays. I’m talking about gifts that are given with the intent of bettering another person’s life.
Freedom can be gifted to another in many forms. Some examples might include: Freedom for self-expression; freedom from obligations; freedom to explore uninterruptedly. And each is incredibly powerful.
As I return from vacation, I’m reminded of these gifts.
- My mom gifted me the freedom from my household obligations. She cared for my dog and kept the house in order.
- My coworkers gifted me the freedom to explore uninterruptedly. They kept the school running, serviced our students, and managed the day-to-day operations without interrupting my time away.
- And while I was away, someone I knew made a life-changing announcement about their identity—and virtually all of the people who we’re both connected to embraced this announcement with nothing but love and encouragement. Being immersed in this type of freedom for self-expression is unbelievably empowering.
Here’s the thing: these gifts were given out of turn, without expectation of return, and with love. Which is precisely why they mean so much.
If you only give people gifts when you’re “supposed” to, so that you can get some type of return, and/or out of obligation—it might come as no surprise that that’s what’s reciprocated and for the exchange to feel lackluster and superficial.
Remember this as you think about the people you love most.