“You are the most difficult person to buy for?”
I don’t intend to be difficult when it comes to honoring my birthday. Whether it is a birthday, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Christmas, or any other time to celebrate YOU, do you allow others to honor you? Here’s your opportunity to create your own “Wish List.”
I tell my husband and kids that they “don’t need to buy me anything,” but it frustrates them when they honestly want to purchase something they know I would enjoy. In honor of my April birthday, I created a picture of those things I truly wanted, and posted it on the refrigerator. Here is what I found in doing the project:
- “What do I want in my life this birthday year?” I focus on what I wanted to keep or change. By posting my “wish list,” I invite others to take part in aspects of my hopes, dreams, and wishes.
- It was freeing to create my “list.” I was pleasantly surprised at how many things I came up with in one sitting of about 30 minutes. I thought of more to add each time I passed my list.
- I felt funny posting it publicly. I felt like a child sitting on Santa’s lap before Christmas, but I didn’t let that feeling stop me.
- I asked myself “why” I tend not to ask for what I want. My parents always told me the same thing I tell my kids – “All I want is family love, health, and happiness. Don’t buy things. Let it come from the heart.” I never wanted someone to feel like they HAD to get me a specific item I “requested” for my birthday. What messages did you receive as a child about gift giving? How does it affect the way you ask for what you want?
- If I do have a specific gift in mind, I better tell someone. My husband recalls the time I bought myself a high-priced item for my birthday. “Why didn’t you tell me so I could get it for you for you?!” He felt cheated out of an opportunity to honor me. Creating a list of what I’d like is not just about me. It’s allowing others the opportunity to honor me in their own way. It’s just a “wish list.”
My family knows me well and honored my birthday with many wonderful things, most of all was their love and presence (not numerous presents). It made for a very special day. Creating the list, I realized, was a gift I gave to myself – evaluating the life I’m living and honoring all the wonderful things I have in my life. My 45th year is going to be awesome!
Rather than wait for your birthday, let people honor you for Mother’s (or upcoming Father’s) Day. How do YOU want to be honored this year?
Tips to create your own Wish List:
- WHO do you want to spend time with – family, friends, co-workers, etc.?
- HOW do you want to spend time with others – actives, places, etc.?
- WHAT do you enjoy spending time doing for yourself – hobbies, places to go, etc.
- WHERE do you want to go? Think current and future – day, weekend, or longer trips; movies, mall, beach, favorite restaurant; etc.
- WHAT are some of your favorites – hobbies, food, drinks, collective items, places to go, music, etc.?
Enjoy your Mother’s Day (or upcoming Father’s Day or Birthday) in a way that others can honor YOU! Happy wish-listing!
