It Wasn't a Gift I Wanted

We’ve all gotten those gifts that we don’t like. Maybe we found the gift ugly, it didn’t fit our personality, we couldn’t use it, or we already had one. The reasons are as varied as gifts themselves. Regardless, it can be an awkward situation to be in.

I have seen people react in many different ways when they receive something they don’t want or need. I’ve seen people blatantly tell the giver they already have one. I’ve seen people comment openly about not being sure what to do with it, and I’ve seen people be gracious and not say anything at all about what they are truly feeling.

I’ve gotten gifts that I don’t really want. I’ve given gifts to people that I end up seeing that THEY don’t really want! Neither is fun. But I think how you handle the situation is more important than the gift itself – for it shows how much you care about the other person and your relationship.

I, for one, HATE, HATE, HATE returning things. So I will avoid returning gifts to a store if at all possible. I usually try to find some way of using the gift if I can. If it’s just really not “me” at all, yes, I have “regifted” something to someone else before. I don’t think that’s a wrong thing to do.  You see, when someone gives a gift, they are giving you love. It is a blessing for them to give, and a blessing for you to receive. They still receive that blessing if I graciously accept the gift. If I refuse it, or reject it in any way, they DON’T receive that blessing! So, if I later “regift” something that is perfectly new and will bring joy to someone else – I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. As long as the giver is not notified so that they still reap the benefit of being a blessing to me.  I never want to hurt someone else’s feelings!

I’ve had a gift returned to me before. Someone couldn’t use something and they wanted me to be able to give it to someone else who could use it more than they. It stole the blessing I was trying to give to them. I would much rather have had them say a polite ‘thank you,’ and give it as a gift to someone else down the road than to return it to me. For it felt rejected. My efforts felt rejected. And that is never fun.

We need to see past the gifts sometimes into the efforts that someone made to give the gift. It is the effort that is the most important! It truly is the thought that counts, and some people put great, great thought into their gifts. You can feel it. You know it. And it means a great deal and shows how much care they put into giving you a gift of happiness.

Gifts aren’t just “things.” They are pieces of someone’s heart. Take great care when you give one – and when you receive one. For a piece of someone’s heart should always be held with appreciation and love.

Instead of "Big," Go "Small!"

Life is like a whirlwind sometimes. It feels like you’re on this ride and you just can’t jump off. You can’t “stop” things long enough to pause, and reflect. At least – that’s how it feels, sometimes.

I know the ‘season’ of “fast.” The season that shouts at me to keep up. These are the seasons that overwhelm me. Everything seems to be needed “now.” And I try to shout back, “I’m only one person!” I don’t feel like I can possibly do it all, be it all, plus enjoy it in the process.

I’ve learned over the years what overwhelms me. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s the “Big” that overwhelms me. When I have to come up with that HUGE dinner for a large group, or I have to get 20 gifts for the holiday. “Big.”

I’ve learned though – that I can handle these situations, if I divide them up into smaller chunks of demands. “Small” is doable for me.  If I can get 2 gifts done this week instead of focusing on the 20 I need overall, it’s more manageable. If I have part of a meal pre-made, then there is less to prepare for.

Doable.

Life IS demanding. It asks a lot of us. And on our own, we each ARE only one individual person. We can only do so much on our own.  But sometimes we forget that we don’t have to do it all. We don’t have to always go for “big” and “grand.” Sometimes an easy and quick meal means just as much, because people are together making a memory – and that’s what really matters.  Sometimes we try to outdo ourselves in order to create lavish memories. But it’s not the decorations that people need to remember. It’s the love, the kindness, the time spent together that is important.

We rush about enough as it is. If we can slow down and enjoy what we are doing, how much more meaningful life will be for not just us, but those around us.

It doesn’t have to be “big.” It doesn’t have to be over-the-top gorgeous. We don’t have to spend all our money. We can do simple. Easy. “Small.” And still pay attention to details, preferences, and the heart of those we love.

Love doesn’t have a pricetag. Or a size.

Ask any mom if she prefers store-bought flowers over a handmade card from her kids filled with words of love. And she’ll tell you.

So when the world says – “GO BIG!” Instead, go “small.” And see which one is the real winner.

Sometimes People Just Need Someone To Talk To

I was walking in the parking lot, heading into the grocery store when I was stopped by a man who started talking to me out of the blue. He proceeded to tell me about how his girlfriend used to cook for him all of the time, but he’d been gone for awhile and now that he was back, she only cooked for herself. So, he thought he’d go to the store and buy some chili fixins and start cooking for himself. He didn’t want to put up with not being cooked for anymore.

His story. It all unfolded in the middle of the parking lot. I was caught unaware and initially was ready to get annoyed. I had things to do. Groceries to get. Lots to do at home. And he stopped me to tell me that his girlfriend wouldn’t cook for him?

Then God prompted my heart with these words – “Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to.” And with that, I smiled, and encouraged the man to keep on cooking.

He probably just wanted someone to listen. Not everyone has that. Not everyone has someone to talk to. They are lonely. And maybe he was lonely, especially now that his girlfriend wasn’t cooking for him anymore. Maybe he felt unloved?

I have known 4 people in my life who have committed suicide. Each one had their own individual reasons for doing so, but I can tell you, that each one of them was cared for. I wasn’t in their heads, but I’m guessing that they felt alone. Maybe they just needed someone to listen and understand. Maybe they just needed someone to talk to?

I think we’d have less violence in this world against society, and against ourselves individually, if more people felt less alone. If more people felt like they had someone to talk to.

Even if that person is a stranger.

If the least I can do is spend two minutes in a grocery store parking lot listening and encouraging someone in their own independence, then I should do it. For it’s so little.

And I’m thankful I was reminded of that.

Eshakti: A Fun Option for Clothes Buyers

I was contacted over a month ago by Eshakti, asking if I wouldn't mind reviewing one of their retail pieces.  I had never heard of them before, so I stopped by their website and took a look.

They sent me this cheerful turquoise blouse.

This blouse would be a perfect addition for someone's wardrobe as we head into the Fall season. I think the sleeves are adorable and unique. They were a tad big on me, but I have pretty small arms. I still loved them.

As for quality, I was very pleased to see this blouse was solidly made. Might have been a tiny bit stiff and I probably would prefer a more relaxed material, but overall, very well made.  I chose to dress it up in a bohemian, western kind of way - but the great thing about this blouse is that it can be dressed up or down. Either way, it's pretty cute.

I don't know about you, but I like having things that are a little unique. I don't want to show up in the same thing everyone else is wearing! Eshakti has a lot of unique pieces like this blouse.

I think Eshakti would be a great resource for a woman who needs some nice pieces for work. You can even customize your pieces for a little bit added extra cost. They allow you to change things such as neckline, dress length, and sleeve type. 

I do feel that a lot of their pieces have a retro/old fashioned look to them, but there are some cute feminine things in the mix that are more contemporary.

Check them out and give them a try. You can find Eshakti here:

*Eshakti website

*Facebook

*Twitter

*Pinterest

*Thanks to Eshakti for giving me this piece in exchange for doing a review of one of their products!

It's Just Money

I’ve been in two lands. The land of having enough and the land of barely getting by. I was happy in both of them, but of course, the land of having enough was more fun.

I’ve decided though, that God needs to put us in the land of barely getting by from time to time so that we keep things in perspective. That we remember what to be thankful for, where are priorities lie, and what truly makes us happy.

Moving to San Antonio in September of 2013, we discovered very quickly that things were more expensive than our “research” had told us they would be. Groceries, hairdressers, insurance, stores, just about everything but gas. And my husband, being unemployed for awhile; this put the “squeeze” on us.

We couldn’t always buy ice cream like we were used to. We had to deny ourselves going out to eat many times. And we had to watch what we spent – carefully.

Yet, I was happy. Sure, I craved things. I wished I could spend on certain things. But I was so thankful and happy to be where I was, that it helped my attitude and it kept my priorities in check.

I’ve always tried to remember that money doesn’t buy you happiness. I’ve seen wealthy people who are very unhappy and so I’ve carried that knowledge within me. I've also been on food stamps. Yet, still, I’ve been blessed.  I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum.

God has always taken care of me. I’ve always had what I truly needed. And although I love having extra money so that I can buy my girls fun things to wear, or go out to the movies, or eat out whenever I want – it’s a good reminder to me that money comes and goes. You may have it for a while, but it can go as quickly and easily as it came. So enjoy it. Be wise with it. But don’t value it.

It’s just money. Use it for what it was created for. Buy what you need, sometimes what you want, and enjoy what you’ve been given.  Don’t be foolish, but be generous and wise with what God has given you. And when it’s gone, you won’t miss it as much because it may come again.

It’s only money. It’s a thing of life to enjoy – just like other things. But it’s never a thing to prioritize and esteem. For it will never hold its value.

Make Your Gift Thoughtful

I’ve been told I have a knack for gift giving.  It’s nice to hear that since I usually stress and strain over just the right thing to give.  You see, I always want the recipient of my gifts to be delighted when they open up their present. I want the gift to make them happy.

I don’t just buy any old thing. I was always told, “If you like it, the person you’re buying it for will like it!”  I can’t tell you how much I disagree with that statement! I think it leads us down the wrong path.

When I’m buying a gift for someone, I try to be thoughtful. I think about the person’s personality, their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and what they have mentioned. So many times I have run to write down a gift idea after being with a family member and hearing them mention something that they either don’t have or have always wanted!

I listen and I try to pay attention.

Of course it can be hard if you don’t know what someone already owns. And on these occasions you can only do your best. For instance, if someone has a certain love or hobby, you can’t always buy them any old thing because often, they will already own it. So a little sleuthing may be in order, or you can go for new products out on the market that offers a better chance of someone not already having it.

Just because I like something very girlie and sparkly doesn’t mean my daughter, sister, mom, or friend will like it. Some ladies love pink while others love bold colors. Some like feminine and girlie things while others are tomboys. It all depends on the person. And the same is true for guys. Not all guys love football. And some guys are very particular about what brand of clothing or colors they wear!

If you really want to give a gift of love to someone else – be thoughtful. Be really thoughtful. Think about the person and the times you have spent with them. Think about their personality and what they like in life. Then use those things to help you find the right gift for them. There have been many times where I’ve gotten a gift for someone that I did not like at all but I knew it fit in with who they were. And I was right. I was right because I paid attention to who they were instead of who I am.

Gift giving is really all about the love wrapped up in that ‘thing’ isn’t it? So make it count. Show them you care about what they care about. And watch the delight in their eyes as they unwrap the contents.