The Gift

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.

That is why they call it ‘the present.’” – Unknown

Photo by Rick Hustead

My grandfather liked to quote the above saying from time to time, but I never really understood the true meaning of that sentiment until I became an adult. Even now it can still sometimes be tough to find a positive aspect to a difficult or challenging situation after the fact, let alone at the time it is going on. However, it is this ability to see the “bright side” or even find a hidden blessing in misfortune that increases our courage, fortitude and ability to handle or even avoid a similar situation in the future.

Hypnosis Motivation Institute founder John Kappas, Ph.D. often advised people to “turn it around!” when they were faced with an uncomfortable or difficult situation. Rather than focus on the unpleasant details or challenges you might be experiencing at the moment, look for a positive aspect/redeeming quality or lesson that could be learned from it. If you have a misunderstanding with a family member or even a colleague at work, consider what circumstances led up to the argument. Perhaps you or the other person misunderstood the meaning or intent behind something that was said. The lesson or “gift” of that experience would be that in the future, you would be more thoughtful and careful about what and how you communicated a thought or idea. You would also understand that it might be prudent to ask questions and clarify the meaning of what you believe you heard or saw before making any judgment about an incident.

But the greatest benefit of considering the present as a true gift is that you can approach each new day and situation with appreciation for the opportunities, wisdom and pleasure the experience can offer. The subconscious mind may try to challenge this more carefree, appreciative perspective about the unknown with cautionary memories about a similar situation that may not have worked out. You may even experience uncomfortable physiological symptoms of anxiety that are further exacerbated by a sudden drop in blood-sugar level if you happen to be hungry at the time. But this reaction is merely the subconscious mind’s reference to a previous subconscious mental script that likes and wants to attach old meanings to a new experience. No matter how many similarities exist between those experiences to make the outcome somewhat predictable, each one is inherently unique and therefore deserves to be enjoyed and appreciated for what it is: A gift.

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

© 2016

The Philosophy of Thank you, Part 2

                Many years ago I read an article about how the late Princess of Wales was raising her young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to be as much like “normal” (i.e., non-royal) children as possible. One of the most poignant things she taught them was the importance of good manners—especially, saying thank you. Apparently, she once told them something along the lines of: “If you ask for a Coke® and someone gives you orange juice, say ‘thank you’ and drink the orange juice.”

                A few days before Christmas I tuned in to an animated debate during Bill Carroll’s KFI broadcast. The question being discussed was: “Is it ever okay to give someone a monetary gift card for Christmas?” Many callers said that giving cash or a gift card to a close relative, loved one or friend was the height of tackiness or even thoughtlessness. Some people believed such a gift was a sign of epic laziness: What? You couldn’t even spend a couple of minutes to think about what I would like and go get it for me? Other people seemed to be ambivalent: Money is cool, but if nothing else I can always re-gift the card to the gardener if I don’t like it, etc. A final group had no problem giving (or receiving) gift cards as a present.

                O-kay. Can I take the high road by taking the middle of the road in this debate? Great!

                As someone who both gave and received gift cards at the holidays, I see no problem with or question about the thoughtfulness of these kinds of presents. While it may not be financially feasible to purchase that new iPad for your nephew, it’s usually possible to make some kind of monetary contribution to the gift in the form of a gift card. If that special someone specifically hints that the most appreciated gift would be money to help pay down a credit-card debt or pay this month’s phone bill, how is obliging this request a sign of insensitivity? Every little bit adds up, right? And, at the end of the day it is the thought that counts. The true, original, spiritual meanings of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, etc., and exchanging presents on birthdays or anniversaries, were never to celebrate consumerism. Ultimately, when gifts are exchanged isn’t it to express loving sentiments toward and appreciation for someone you care about?

                No matter who you are, no matter what you are doing, saying “thank you” to express gratitude that someone thought of you is still a very cool thing to do. It really is the thought and not the gift that counts.

                What are you grateful for?

               

 

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

© 2014