The BEST Gift I Ever Gave Myself

It’s the week of Christmas and all the talk is about gifts. 

My kids get so excited to share what they received, what they want and what they are “sure” they are getting next. 

It is so fun to watch their excitement.

Well, this year I know what I want and what I’m getting.

I actually gave it to myself last year.

It is the gift that keeps giving.

It is the best gift I’ve ever received.

I became my own best friend.

I’m going to get back to that.  But first, I want to share part of the definition of a friend according to Urbandictionary.com:

“A friend is someone you love and who loves you, someone you respect and who respects you, someone whom you trust and who trusts you. A friend is honest and makes you want to be honest, too. A friend is loyal.”

This last year, I learned to love and respect myself.  I can trust that what I say I will do; I will follow through.  I’m honest with myself and aware that I’m not perfect, nor am I supposed to be.

It goes on to say, “A friend is someone who not only doesn't care if you're ugly or boring, but doesn't even think about it; someone who forgives you no matter what you do, and someone who tries to help you even when they don't know how. A friend is someone who tells you if you're being stupid, but who doesn't make you feel stupid.”

I’m working on this one.  But I’m learning to love how I look, even if others might think I’m “ugly”.  I don’t think what I spend my time doing is boring. 

Everyday, I give myself grace and encouragement even when I have been stupid.

There’s more, “A friend is someone who will come with you when you have to do boring things like watch bad recitals, go to stuffy parties, or wait in boring lobbies.”

This portion really got me thinking.  How many of us can just sit with ourselves even in boring situations?  Do you know how to enjoy and entertain yourself with our your phone?  This is a lost art, don’t you think?  I go back to the verses,

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a

These three things my go to now for when I’m bored standing in line, waiting in traffic or washing dishes....

Last part that I want to point out, “A friend is someone for whom you're willing to change your opinions.”

My opinions, judgement and thoughts about so many things have dramatically shifted.  I use to have the most judgement for myself and the worst opinion too. This year, I was willing to change it.  Change it for the sake of not only myself, but my family.

See, when I became my own friend, I started being a better wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend to others. 

So not only did this gift give to me, but it gave to so many of those around me.

How about you?

Are you ready to give this gift to yourself?

Do it. 

I can help you out if you don’t know where to start.  You can go to www.amandakaldor.com/coaching to sign up for a free consult.

It could be one of the best gifts you ever give to yourself!