Today is an auspicious day! It’s the day we need to “unwrap the gift”. And we are the GIFT!

Yes, each of us is a gift. A gift to each other and a gift to the world!

You may be asking yourself “how is that so?” And you may scoff a wee bit at even the thought of that being so. After all, we’re women and “gifts” are things. You know, something inside a box that sparkles; or is practical and something we think we need. After all, our entire lives, we been led to believe that a gift is a “thing” outside of ourselves that brings pleasure to another or eases what life brings our way.

In reality, WE are the real gift! Yes, as a woman who is ‘flesh and blood’ and bone, muscle and sinew – we are the gift.

Many times, we don’t realize what it is that we bring to the lives of others. Family, friends, co-workers. It may be something as simple as a smile when we greet them each day with one word. . . .”hello”. It may be an offer to lighten their load with “may I help you with that?” Or maybe it’s a soft caress that speaks volumes – without saying a word. A caress that simply says “I care”.

Have we unwrapped the gift of ourselves yet? Have we opened the box that contains us and looked within to see how much we sparkle and glow? Have we changed the packaging of who we are to adjust to changing seasons of life?

Most importantly, have we seen – through the lives of others – the gift we are? If not, then I encourage us to begin that journey today.

Start the process of letting others see what a spectacular gift they have been given because we stepped into their lives in a very real and authentic way. Let them have the privilege of learning how much we mean to them. A meaning they might never have come to know had we not crossed their path.

First, we must unwrap our own gift. We must step outside the box and see the many facets of “me” and marvel at how much we bring to the world. Even when the world is defined as our home, our business, or place of employment. . .

I’ve made a pledge this morning! I’ve determined that the coming year – 2010 – will be “The Year of the Woman”. The year when we grow to celebrate our own gifts. The year when we assist each other in “unwrapping” our own unique gift(s). The year when we shout to the world – “I am woman, hear me now!”

A year when our authenticity shines like the sun and twinkles like a star. A year when we grow more transparent with others so that the “gift” we are is apparent to them. . . . and to us!

Ah, there’s the ‘rub’. Do we know our own “giftedness”?

I leave you today, with that question in mind. Don’t analyze it. . . just ask if of yourself. And then when you have an answer; write it here. Tell us your “giftedness”.

For as we say it to others. . . we will come to know it ourselves. And that is what it takes to “unwrap” the gift.

Blessings to you today, for I see the gifts each of you bring to a growing community of women who will stand up and shout. . . . “I am GIFT-Unwrap me NOW!”

Linda, a fellow journeyer
Linda S. Fitzgerald, M.S.Ed, CEO-CVO
Affiliated Women Intl(tm)

http://affiliatedwomen.com