Greetings!
"The #1 predictor for general well-being is not money or prestige but time spent with those who are near and dear to us."
Enough with the candy (it just goes right to the hips) and the flowers (they never last long enough). Try a gift from the heart this Valentines's Day.
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| A Gift from the HEART |
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... There's no PRESENT like the TIME
The gift of time can be one of the most precious things you can give. This can be done in a variety of ways for all of your loved ones this Valentine's Day.
*Sweetheart: This can be as elaborate as a surprise vacation or as simple as a few hours together without phones, kids or other distractions. Every couple needs a little help from Cupid now and again.
* Family: A day at the park, just the family, playing Frisbee, golf, tennis or whatever it is that makes you smile. Or have a game night, playing Monopoly or competing in Wii sports; its fun to be a kid again. Who knows? Game night may become a regular household event.
*Children: As much as they'd disagree, they really do want to spend time with you. Block out a day or afternoon with each child individually doing what they want, even if that's just hanging out. It's amazing how much you'll learn about your child without even asking a question.
 * Friends: A phone call to chat with that long distance friend with whom contact has become more and more infrequent. A lunch date with a local friend who needs a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen.
*Parents: Remember to celebrate them, too, on this special day. Give them a card that expresses your appreciation for everything they have done for you.
If there ever was a day of the year to tell those close to you how you feel, Valentine's Day is it!! Remember to say "I love you."
All these things need a bit of coordinating and preplanning but aren't your loved ones worth that?
The Gift that Created Memories
" One year my husband gave me a cosmetic travel bag with an airline ticket tucked inside for a trip back east to see my folks. I had been talking forever about wanting to spend some time with them, but with two small kids, hectic schedules, and living across the country, there was never a good time. My husband took the initiative and coordinated a four-day weekend trip with my Mom, requested days off of work to take care of the kids and booked the airline reservations all to surprise me.
It was a wonderful weekend with just my parents; no husband, no kids or even other siblings!
Throughout the years, I thought several times about planning another of those weekends but life always seemed to get in the way. My Mom passed away a couple months ago, and I regret that I did not have more time with her. I have many wonderful memories of time spent with my Mom, and that weekend is one of the favorites. I thank my husband for giving me that precious gift of four cherished days alone with my Mom." -- Nancy Mueller |
