It’s the time of year when we’re thinking about what to give people in our lives and also what we’d like to get ourselves. I have an unfortunate holiday shopping practice: one for them, one for me, one for them, one for me.
Think of the list you’ve made for yourself over the years—all of the tangible and intangible things you feel would make you happy if only they were yours. It’s easy to spend a lot of time wishing for what’s on that list without making plans for what you’ll do once you get it.
There’s something on the other side of getting. It’s doing. How will things change when you get what you want—really think about it. What would you do differently if you had those things? There’s one thing that probably won’t change and that’s you. Because you are the same you on either side of the equation.
Of course, there are certain things that we wish for that do make an instant difference like a healing, a baby, money, for example. These are gifts that can transform us and the situations we find ourselves in. Maybe you want those things and haven’t received them yet—what would happen if you lived your life as if you had? Because I am wondering what would happen if you started living your life as if you’d already received those things you wanted. Live your life as if you’d been healed. Give love to others as if you were a mother or a father. Feel as if you always have more than enough and sharing is second nature. Enact the transformation regardless.
I’ve said it before—emulate. What actions are suspended while you stand on the shore squinting in the sun in hopes of seeing your ship on the horizon? Think about yourself waiting on the shore–So much is on hold while you wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.
Waiting is not an action.
Update your list. Think about how you will implement your gifts. This can be the year things happen and you need to be ready.
Be the gift you wish you would be given.
It’s just corny enough during this time of the year to grab onto to thoughts like these and put them into action. Some things just seem more plausible when children are busy believing in Santa Claus and adults are busy playing along.
“Waiting is not an action.”
How true that is. How many great moments and experiences do we miss while we’re waiting for thethingthatwillmakeushappy? We really should emulate, as you say. Go for it, or at least dip a toe in the water because today is all we have.