THE NEXT TIME YOU WONDER.... WHAT CAN I GIVE?

Here is a list of fifteen special gifts you can give anytime---and that don’t cost a cent!  I received this from a friend as a forwarded email.  I do not know who wrote this, but I thank you for your generous gift of time and thought that went into creating this.!  My wish is that it will remind and affirm to us the bounty of gifts we have to draw from. 

*When we give our time we give our lives. Its the foundation of these fifteen special gifts. You may not have previously thought of them as gifts, but they are. If you look upon them in this way you’ll be much more likely to give them and be a blessing to others.*

1. *THE GIFT OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION *
*How do you feel when someone contacts you out of the blue for the sole purpose of reminding you that you’re a treasured friend? You feel the same way everyone else does  special, loved, and appreciated. And you can brighten someone elses life any day of the week. This can be done with a phone call, a handwritten note, or an e-mail, and none take more than a few minutes.*

*2. THE GIFT OF QUOTATIONS*
*Everyone appreciates a good quotation. The beauty of a good quotation is that its brief, to the point, full of wisdom and advice, and a boost for the spirit. Find them, collect them, and share them. Its a simple way of giving someone a life.*

*3. THE GIFT OF A GOOD RECOMMENDATION*
*When you make a great discovery, one that in some way enriches your life, share it with others. It could be a book, a play, a movie, a restaurant, a recipe, an article, a product, a service, a TV program, or a music CD. When you make these kinds of recommendations, you’re really saying, "This brought some joy to my life. I want it to do the same for you."

4. *THE GIFT OF A HELPING HAND*
*All of us appreciate it when someone not only offers to help, but actually follows through. Were all faced with tasks some big, some small; some important, some trivial; some requiring skill, some menial. Whatever it is, it always goes better with the help of another person. Whether on the job, at home, in school, or out socially, the gift of help is always appreciated.*

5. *THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER*
*Laughter is one of the happiest and most healthy activities known to the human race. Victor Borge said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." Its also a life enhancer and a great gift, one that can be given easily and often. Don’t let those funny jokes, stories, bloopers, signs, and one-liners fade away. Share them with others.*

6. *THE GIFT OF LISTENING*
*There are many times when someone close to us wants only one thing  our full and undivided attention. Listening intently to another person, with our eyes and with our hearts, silently says, "What you have to say, and the feelings behind your words, are important. Right now this is the best gift I can give you. I value our friendship."

7. *THE GIFT OF AN INVITATION*
*All invitations, whether to a major event, a wedding, a party, a sporting even, or lunch with a friend, as special gifts. Whenever we ask someone to join us were really saying, "I want you to be there. Your company is cherished. You have something good to offer." We all want to be included, to be asked to join in, for a simple reason  sharing experiences with other people is one of the greatest joys of life.*

8. *THE GIFT OF PHYSICAL AFFECTION*
*How do you feel when someone gives you a hug, a warm handshake, a friendly pat on the back, a kiss on the cheek, an affectionate touch? If you’re a normal, red-blooded, breathing, living human being, you feel great. Alan Loy McGinnis, an esteemed counselor and author, advises, "Use your body to demonstrate warmth." With the right people and in the proper setting, that's exactly what acts of fondness do. Give this gift of affection liberally.*

9. *THE GIFT OF APPRECIATION*
*When someone does something thoughtful for us, regardless of its nature, its a gift. We can give another gift in return simply by expressing our appreciation. The great psychologist and philosopher William James said, "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." We can satisfy that craving and give a gift, every time we express our appreciation.*

10. *THE GIFT OF GOOD ADVICE*
*Not everyone asks for it or wants it, but there are times when good advice is the greatest gift of all. The reason is that it can change lives. Countless accomplished people throughout history have cited good advice as the key to their success. When the opportunity is there and the other person is willing to listen, never hesitate to give this precious gift.*

11. *THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT*
*One of the greatest things you can do for another person is give encouragement. The word means, literally, to give courage. Sometimes its all a person needs to get started on something important. History is full of stories about people who achieved great things because of someone else's encouragement.*

12. *THE GIFT OF PATIENCE*
*This is actually a dual gift, because patience always comes as the result of understanding. That's what we most want from other people, especially those closest to us. We especially need their patience and understanding when were not at our best. They’re gifts that enrich relationships by allowing them to grow. We can give the same gift to our family members, friends, and colleagues.*

13. *THE GIFT OF EMPATHY*
*Any time we can share feelings with another person, whether they’re of sorrow or joy, we give a treasured gift. When Cathy’s dad died unexpectedly in his mid fifties some years ago, she experienced both shock and loss. The greatest comfort she received was from people who had also lost a parent under similar circumstances. They were able to identify with her, understand what she was going through, offer hope, and let her know they were there for her.*

14..*THE GIFT OF COURAGE*
We have many fears small and large. Courage is not action in the absence of fear, but rather in the the presence of it.; else, it is not courage at all. In any way we can, if we move or take actions in the face of fear, then each step taken builds our courage and confidence. We then become a model of victory in action for others in our lives.

15. *THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS*
*This is the ultimate win-win gift. Both the giver and the receive get something of great value;  healing. Were all in need of it because we’ve all been hurt and offended by someone else. It makes it easier to forgive them when we remind ourselves that we’ve also caused pain in others. Forgiveness releases us from unnecessary negative emotions and allows us to move on to better things.*