When it comes to giving gifts, we all think about things we can purchase or make. But to give a gift whose value endures, give it from your heart.
[quote] The best gifts are given from the heart.[/quote]
A gift that is given from the heart, given to the right person at the right time and place, given with expectation of nothing in return, is a gift that will keep on giving.
In the language of the heart, giving translates as offering a part of yourself to someone who, at that moment, needs it more than you do.
So give from the heart to those who need to receive the most:
To those who feel betrayed, give the gift of loyalty.
To those who feel anxious, give the gift of tranquility.
To those who feel isolated, give the gift of belonging.
To those who feel ambiguity, give the gift of certainty.
To those who feel pain, give the gift of comfort.
To those who feel vulnerable, give the gift of safety.
To those who feel insecure, give the gift of confidence.
To those who feel lost, give the gift of guidance.
To those who feel dissatisfied, give the gift of contentment.
To those who feel envious, give the gift of worthiness.
To those who feel empty, give the gift of admiration.
To those who feel distressed, give the gift of calmness.
To those who feel unheard, give the gift of listening.
To those who feel angry, give the gift of love.
The most meaningful gifts are often the ones that come from the heart and are given in compassion and love.
Giving is a way of filling your own heart, but the true gift will be in the receiving.
As we look beyond the gifts we have been given to those we are receiving, know that there is a plan and purpose in these gifts, just as there is a plan and purpose within each new challenge and adventure.
Lead From Within: By giving from the heart you not only honor others, you also honor yourself because you are allowing your heart to do what it was made to do – give and receive.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Terri Klass
24. Dec, 2013
A perfect way to honor each other is to give a gift from the heart.
What a brilliant way to show others who may be in need of our love and support.
Each of your gifts you write about shows the importance of living a life of love and gratitude.
Thank you Lolly, for showing me how leading with the heart in both our professional worlds and personal lives is essential and powerful.
Terri
lollydaskal
24. Dec, 2013
Terri,
I takes two to lead and receive and to give and to love.
We learn from each other.
You have been my mentor and guide and for that I love you.
Lolly
Karin Hurt
24. Dec, 2013
Such beautiful wisdom. It makes me also think about how such gifts will be received. For example,
If you feel betrayed, stay open to those who offer loyalty
If you are angry, be open to receive love
If you are distressed, be open to opportunites for calmness
lollydaskal
24. Dec, 2013
Karin,
Each gift must be given with an open heart, open mind and open will.
Love to you and your loved ones on this holiday season.
Lolly
Jon Mertz
24. Dec, 2013
A wonderful message, Lolly, and a great one to consider not only during the next few days but in the years ahead. We all have so many simple gifts to give that have an unending, positive impact. We need to give those gifts a voice by giving them…. All the best to you this holiday season and in the year ahead. Thank you. Jon
lollydaskal
24. Dec, 2013
The gift that keeps on giving is an every day occurrence!
Thanks so much for being the amazing person that you are!
I truly appreciate you.
Lolly
LaRae Quy
24. Dec, 2013
What a wonderful post this holiday season!
The language of the heart offers a part of yourself to someone who, at that moment, needs it more than you do.
So true, and so beautifully written…thanks for sharing.
lollydaskal
24. Dec, 2013
LaRae
Thank you for your heartfelt comment. I truly appreciate you.
Happy holidays to you too!
Lolly
Edward Colozzi
24. Dec, 2013
Dear Lolly,
Thank you for another post that IS from deep within your heart, as always. You are an authentic example of one who always touches others deeply, because you lead so deeply, from within your own heart, where wisdom has found a lasting home.
Love and Warm Aloha, EdC
David Greer
24. Dec, 2013
Thanks Lolly. I am traveling today so that I can be with my wife Karalee and our three children for the rest of the week. It was great to get your reminder to be open to them and willing to give of myself. Especially as I have been off the last five weeks pursuing my own personal dreams. Letting me pursue that dream was a gift Karalee gave me.
Cheers,
David
lollydaskal
26. Dec, 2013
David,
You have a very special wife and life.
So happy you stopped by…
Happy Holidays.
Lolly
lollydaskal
24. Dec, 2013
Ed!!!!!!!!!!!
It has been forever, I have been missing you!
Thanks so much for stopping by and lending us some words from your heart.
Lolly
Panteli Tritchew
24. Dec, 2013
Such a wonderful post, Lolly. Gifts from the heart transcend material transactions in ways that push the limits of our alphabet, but you have caught and shared this essence beautifully. I am grateful that our lives touch each other. From the heart, Panteli
lollydaskal
24. Dec, 2013
Panteli,
From my heart to yours I send you much love.
Remember we have work to do in 2014!
When something works, it works!!!
Lolly
Garren Fagaragan
25. Dec, 2013
A beautiful post Lolly.
A wonderful gift. Thank you.
I appreciate the great
work you do here at
LeadFromWithin.
Wishing you and yours
a shower of blessings…
today and through the
New Year!
Garren
lollydaskal
26. Dec, 2013
Garren,
A blessed 2014 coming your way….
Lolly
Alli Polin
25. Dec, 2013
Really beautiful, Lolly. Each of us has what it takes to give others what they need when they most need it. It’s not a thing – no need to spend hours googling the perfect pick me up. We can just go to your post and remember that giving these gifts starts with being present, connected, and in relationship.
We may live on opposite sides of the world, Lolly, but you have given me the gift of confidence when I’ve felt the most unsure, the gift of love when I’ve been unable to give it to myself, the gift of heart allowing me to show up as who I am. Thank you!
Happy Holidays!
lollydaskal
26. Dec, 2013
We gave to each other.
Love to you Alli!
ATIG
25. Dec, 2013
Surely we will do well to be inspired by the admirable Lolly.
It is with such an commitment and such wisdom that we may hope to fulfill the promises made to future generations.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours happy holidays!
lollydaskal
26. Dec, 2013
Thanks Sami,
Wishing you a happy holiday too!
Lolly
Bill Benoist
26. Dec, 2013
Hi Lolly,
This is one of the best posts I’ve read all year. It’s beautifully written and there is really nothing more I can add that my friends before me have not already written.
Thank you very much,
Bill
lollydaskal
26. Dec, 2013
Bill,
Very sweet and thoughtful.
Thank you!
Wishing you a very heartfelt New Year
Lolly
Daymond
27. Dec, 2013
Gifts of this nature, based on the depths of the heart, are gifts that last a long time and even forever. Indirectly received with great pleasure the satisfaction of giving selflessly, simply because a humble contribution.
Chery Gegelman
31. Dec, 2013
Lolly, I love your list!
What a beautiful vision for all of us to SEE someone and instead of seeing what is broken inside see what they could be and what they need to get there!
Catina Everman
25. Sep, 2024
This article beautifully reminds us that the most meaningful gifts come from the heart. When we give with love and without expectation, we not only enrich the lives of others but also nurture our own hearts in return.