Tis the Gift To Be Simple (From TodaysMama.com Article by Jenny Ward)

Tis the Gift to be Simple”
By Jenny Ward, CEO Playward
My two year old daughter is fascinated with making her own “concoctions.” She puts water in a plastic cup and loves to pour all different things into it. It is amazing how simple and enjoying this is for her. One moment it is soup, the next it is pancake batter or homemade “goop” she says with a giggle.
Her imagination sores with one cup and simple or pretend “ingredients.” What a metaphor for our lives, yet we seem to always make it way more complicated then it needs to be. This time of year seems to become what gifts to get others and how many parties need to be attended or created. A lot of time and energy goes into “getting things” and preparation that we seem to lose touch with the moment to moment GIFTS in life.
It is entirely up to us how simple we want our lives and holiday season to be. It is a playful opportunity to create simplicity and allow joy and imagination to fill our hearts and stockings again. Instead of asking our loved ones what they “want” spend some time being grateful for what we HAVE. Write lists on your walls of all you are grateful for and pass this simple gift on to others. Instead of stressing on what to buy others, call those you love and share what you appreciate and value about them in your life.
I do value the fun in giving; however I feel we can get lost in WHAT we give so much, that the joy, connection and true meaning of presence can be lost.
The gift of our presence can be enough. Hugging our children and reminding them on all days that they are incredible and can be anything they want to be in life. To laugh as much as possible and not take the holiday “season” so seriously. Most of all, we can all use some time with a just our imagination. Enjoy the moments where all you have is a “cup and no agenda” and savor it. Let your imagination go wild and embrace this simple gift in your loved ones.
Be the gift and feel grateful for all those who have blessed you with their presence.