The gift of engagement

BY EVA MARTIN

During this holiday season, many of us will exchange gifts with family and friends. Material possessions may not last forever, but we can always hold onto the feelings of love, grace, and selflessness that lie at the heart of gift-giving.

The love that is exchanged for the holidays is not always contingent on presents. It can often come in the form of a kind word, a handwritten letter reminding someone that you are thinking of them, or an act of volunteerism to help the less fortunate. There are many ways to spread your gifts and make our world a better place.

We all possess gifts that can be shared and appreciated by someone else in need. The human connection is very powerful and often overlooked. One of the many gifts everyone can choose to use is the act of kindness. For some, this might seem insignificant — but when practiced, it can be repetitive and go viral enough to make each day special. A kind word usually receives another kind word, a smile usually gets a smile back, and a positive deed usually gets another.

The gift of engagement is when we extend with love, kindness, compassion, and empathy. By putting this practice in motion, “your cup will runneth over” with joy.