What Gift Do You Bring?

What Gift Do You Bring?, by Mary'n Hallock, facilitator

In this season, we focus a great deal of our time on gift-giving, spending long hours searching for just the right gifts for those we love. But have you included yourself on your list of those who deserve the best?

As a professional organizer, I am often consulted when a person's office has gotten completely out of hand -- chaotic and unworkable. Things have usually reached a crisis point; a great prospect is lost or a deadline is missed that costs dearly. Often, the person has neglected to even minimally care for her workspace and is suffering in an ugly, dysfunctional environment that drains energy, focus and productive power. When explaining why they waited this long, I often hear, "I just don't care" or "I take care of my clients but never get around to taking care of my own stuff." It is clear that they have put themselves last.

Not caring or putting ourselves last might seem selfless. But think about it. When we don't take care and put ourselves last, we deplete our energy and the ability to give our best. I feel fortunate that my job is always to bring hope and help for clients to start caring about themselves again so that they can be energized in their spaces rather than depleted.

In this season of giving you, too, are deserving of fine gifts. What care will you take for yourself? What gifts do you bring to you?

Use the mini-reflection exercise to help you take care of yourself.

Mini-Reflection Exercise

Take a moment now and live with these questions:

What have I said I just don't care about for myself (but secretly know otherwise)?
What reprieve, respite or lull would I really love to take in this busy season (or any other time of year) if I could?
What small step could I take to move toward caring for myself again?