Focusing Tip #724 – How to give great birthday presents

Did you know that pausing and sensing can help you give great presents? Read on…

Dear Readers:

Yesterday was my birthday. I got so many nice messages from friends and family, and I had a really lovely day.

I mention it here because something unexpected happened. Joe, my partner of 20 years, gave me a PERFECT birthday present. Let me tell you how it happened because that’s my Focusing Tip for today.

It’s not easy to give a great present! Ideally, the receiver needs to feel that the giver has thought about them, and has used empathy combined with sensitivity to discover what will be just right for that person.

It’s not easy to get presents for me since I usually buy myself whatever I need. As a result, I am not a demanding birthday girl. For years, Joe and I have handled the matter by him asking me what I want and me telling him. Often I even send him the Amazon link.

But this year, I didn’t get around to answering the question. Couldn’t think of anything I wanted. Was busy with other things. So when my birthday came around, and Joe handed me a big box… “Oh my gosh, what’s this?” Opened it up… Wow! It was something both beautiful and practical that I am going to be using every day.

I couldn’t resist asking Joe: “How did you do this? How did you pick something for me that was so perfect?”

He said, “I just did what you teach! I walked into your home office and I imagined you there, and then I sensed… until I could sense what felt right in my body.”

Actually, I think that moment was the best present of all.