I must admit, I have always been someone
who loves to give gifts…
whether it is someone’s birthday,
Valentine’s Day, or Christmas,
I pride myself on my ability to be able
to pick the right gift for the right person -
and I have had numerous comments
and compliments over the years
at how good I am at being able to imagine,
and eventually find,
the perfect present for someone in particular…
it isn’t always easy, and it’s not always simple -
but if I know someone, and I am already familiar
with their likes and dislikes,
then I know for a fact that I can come up with
something for them that they will like, love,
appreciate, and be something that will make use of,
perhaps cherish the memory of,
and always remember who gave it to them.

Of course, not all gifts that I have brought for some people
have been appreciated as much I hoped they would -
but that doesn’t matter to me,
because I can always say
with my hand on my heart
that I took great time, effort, and pleasure
in thinking about someone
and being drawn to buy something for them
that I knew they were meant to have,
for whatever reason…
I just have this eye for detail and this instinct
for what something represents,
and what it will mean to someone else -
but, even if someone does not initially seem
impressed by what I got them,
I always keep in mind that,
when it comes to buying presents for people,
it truly is the thought that you put into
purchasing or making something for someone
that is what really counts.

Time is the most precious thing in the world -
which is why what, and whom, you spend time with,
as well as what, and whom,
you spend your time thinking about,
should matter to each and every one of us -
and that is why we should all try not to waste
a second on someone who doesn’t appreciate
spending time with us,
nor what we do and have done for them…
I like other people’s birthdays more than my own
for the same reason I have always been a lover of Christmas,
because during the festive period
I get to show how much I appreciate people -
especially members of my family -
and present them with things from me
that I selected especially for them
because I knew what I bought would
resonate with them on a personal level…
I am sure other people spend more than me,
I am sure other people buy more lavish
and outlandish gifts for those whom they know -
but I challenge anyone to a contest
of making a connection with someone
and finding the best gift for them,
time and time again, and for every occasion,
because I know I would win every time.
Why? Because I have been told many times that,
among all my other talents,
I am, and I have always been,
a great gift giver.