As the days count down to Christmas, my inbox fills up with
emails from retailers offering RUSH delivery and last minute gift ideas. If
you’re like me, you know it’s easy to get caught up in a shopping frenzy,
feeling pressure to find the perfect gift for each person on your list.
So, with three shopping days remaining, I’ve decided to change
my mindset about giving. Instead of things, I’ve decided to share one of my
most precious presents—the gift of time. I experienced the value of this gift
last week when my sister and I drove to NH to clean our dad’s house for the
holidays. As we were eating lunch together I thought, “No gift is better than
sharing a meal together and showing our love by cleaning his home.” We could
have paid someone to clean his house. Instead, we gave a priceless gift—our
time.
In retirement, we have the freedom to choose how we spend
our time. And we have enough of it to give generously. Instead of spending it
shopping for the perfect present, try being present with someone who might be
lonely during the holidays. Instead of making cookies, give your partner
attention by making love. For the young parents on your list, offer to babysit
overnight. Believe me, this gift will mean more than another argyle sweater or merchandise
card.
Regardless of how prepared we are financially for retirement,
most of us can generously give away our time. No RUSH delivery or last minute discount
needed.
Copyright 2017. Patrice Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.
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