The greatest gift you can give yourself is the gift of possibility.
–Maya Angelou
As we begin a new year, the air is thick with potential. While many focus on traditional resolutions that often fade by February, I invite you to consider a different approach: giving yourself meaningful gifts that will fundamentally transform your daily experience.
First, give yourself the gift of time. Not more hours in the day—that’s beyond our power—but rather, the permission to spend your time intentionally. Start saying “no” to obligations that drain you and “yes” to moments that fill your cup. Block out sacred spaces in your calendar for activities that nurture your soul, whether that’s reading in a sun-dappled corner or taking long walks in nature.
Give yourself the gift of imperfection. Release the exhausting pursuit of flawlessness and embrace the beauty of being wonderfully human. Let dishes sit in the sink occasionally. Send emails with typos. Share ideas before they’re fully polished. Watch how this permission to be imperfect creates space for joy and creativity to flourish.
Give yourself the gift of boundaries. Like a beautiful garden needs a fence to flourish, your well-being requires clear limits. Establish digital boundaries that protect your mental peace. Create emotional boundaries that honor your energy. Set professional boundaries that respect your personal time. These invisible lines will become the foundation of your happiness.
Give yourself the gift of curiosity. Approach your life as an explorer would—with wonder, openness, and excitement. Try new recipes that intimidate you. Strike up conversations with strangers. Take classes in subjects that intrigue you. Curiosity is the antidote to stagnation and the catalyst for personal growth.
Give yourself the gift of embracing your humanness. Celebrate the beautiful mess that comes with being perfectly imperfect. Welcome your full range of emotions—the tears that come unexpectedly, the laughter that bubbles up at inappropriate moments, the fears that make you grow, and the hopes that keep you dreaming. Your humanity isn’t a flaw to be fixed; it’s a gift to be treasured.
Most importantly, give yourself the gift of presence. In our rush to achieve, acquire, and advance, we often miss the simple magic of now. The warmth of morning sunlight. The comfort of a familiar laugh. The satisfaction of a deep breath. These moments are where life actually happens.
The time to start giving yourself these gifts is right now. Today. This moment. What will you give yourself first? Choose one gift from this list and begin unwrapping it immediately. Your future self will thank you for starting this journey of self-compassion and intentional living. The greatest chapter of your life is waiting to be written, and you hold the pen.
What gift will you give yourself today?
Editor’s Note: Enjoy our evolving Exploring Our Shared Humanity Series HERE
Intriguing article.
It is difficult to choose from such a tempting list.
I personally appreciate the gift of time. Taking time for ourselves is a habit of great value and can make a difference in our progress in life. It has such great value that it cannot be considered time taken away from commitments, our family or our loved ones. Instead, it is a great opportunity to be better people in every experience we find ourselves facing in everyday life.
These are precious gifts. Thank you for reminding us that we can give them to ourselves.
Indeed, Mary, it all starts with looking with before gifting beyond. Happy New Year, my friend!