The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself EP#118

As the holiday season approaches, we're surrounded by ads telling us that happiness can be wrapped, boxed, and gifted. But is the best gift you can give yourself something you can buy? In today’s episode, we’re exploring what it really means to give ourselves a gift that brings true joy and fulfillment—no price tag required.

Using Gary Chapman's concept of the Five Love Languages as our framework, we’re diving into how each love language can guide us toward discovering the most meaningful gift we can give ourselves. Whether it’s words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch, or receiving gifts, there’s a unique way for each of us to nurture and celebrate ourselves.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why the best gifts might not be found in stores or under a tree
• How to identify your primary love language and apply it to self-care
• Practical ways to show yourself love that align with each love language
• Why self-reflection and a bit of journaling can help you get to know yourself better this season

Episode Highlights:

1. Rethinking Gifts: How marketing shapes our beliefs about happiness and material gifts, and why the most precious gifts can’t always be purchased.
2. The Five Love Languages: We break down each love language—Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch, and Receiving Gifts—and share practical ways to express each one as a gift to yourself.
3. Your Unique Gift: By reflecting on what brings you joy, you can find a truly meaningful way to celebrate and care for yourself.

A Little Challenge for You:
Grab a journal, and after listening, take some time to reflect on the love languages. Ask yourself: Which of these resonate most with me? How can I use this insight to create a holiday gift for myself that’s fulfilling and personal?

Quote of the Episode:
"The best things in life are not things." — Art Buchwald

Get In Touch:
We’d love to hear what you think! If you find this episode helpful, share it with someone who might need a little inspiration this season, and tag us on social media with your favorite insights.

Remember: This holiday season, think outside the box and give yourself the gift of what truly matters.

Transcript

Podcast Episode: “What is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself?”

With the holiday season right around the corner, I want to pose a question to you: What is the best gift you can give yourself this year? Now, before you start imagining what might be wrapped up in shiny paper, let’s take a moment to rethink what a meaningful gift could look like. With Black Friday approaching, and holiday busyness taking over, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that joy and fulfillment are waiting inside a box. But what if the best gift isn’t something physical at all?

Some of the most fulfilling gifts in life aren’t material things. They’re often simple, overlooked treasures that we might be taking for granted. Many years ago, my husband and I read The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, and it completely shifted my perspective on what it means to truly give and receive love. I learned so much from that book that I started gifting it to every couple I knew who was getting married. The note I’d write inside was always the same: “The best gift you can give your marriage is communication.” Even though weddings are stressful, and advice can feel overwhelming, I wanted people to see the value in understanding themselves and each other early on.

So, when I ask, What is the best gift you can give yourself? —were you expecting me to say happiness? Or maybe journaling, since you know how much I believe in it? Surprise! The best gift you can give yourself is unique to you. And today, I want to explore a way to help you uncover what that might be! Before you finalize your wish list or get swept up in holiday shopping, I invite you to consider the 5 Love Languages as a tool to help you understand your needs.

The premise of the 5 Love Languages is simple: we can express love best when we understand the way our partner prefers to receive it. But here’s a twist—what if we apply these love languages to ourselves? What if we take the time to discover our own love language, and then use that to give ourselves something truly meaningful?

As I describe each love language, take a moment to consider which one resonates most with you. A great way to determine your love language is to think about how you naturally show love to others. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Words of Affirmation: If this is your love language, you feel most loved through words of praise or appreciation. This could look like telling yourself you’re proud of your hard work, or recognizing your kindness, resilience, or other qualities you value. Try writing these affirmations down and reading them when you need a boost.
2. Quality Time: For some, nothing says “I love you” like undivided attention. If quality time is your language, ask yourself who you want to spend that time with—whether it’s a friend, family member, or even just a special day for yourself. Plan an activity that brings you joy, be it a day of pampering or an afternoon dedicated to a favorite hobby. The gift here is intentional, focused time doing what brings you happiness.
3. Acts of Service: If “actions speak louder than words” for you, think about ways to give yourself a little extra support. What could you do to make your life easier or more enjoyable? It could be as simple as organizing your workspace or planning a week of healthy meals. And if you need help with something, like assembling furniture or tackling a tricky task, don’t hesitate to ask!
4. Physical Touch: Physical connection isn’t limited to romantic gestures—it includes things like hugs, massages, or even a spa day. If physical touch is your language, think about ways you can bring more of it into your life. Treat yourself to a massage or schedule a relaxing evening with some self-care rituals that make you feel loved and nurtured.
5. Receiving Gifts: For some people, a well-thought-out gift speaks volumes. If this is your love language, choose something meaningful that truly brings you joy. Rather than buying something impulsively, consider building anticipation around it. Think about a gift you’d be excited to give yourself and make it special.

Only one of these love languages actually involves a material gift. The other four are about experiences, feelings, and meaningful moments. I wanted to bring this up because getting to know yourself is a huge part of achieving happiness. As you start reflecting on these love languages, you might just uncover something new about what you truly need.

And remember, you don’t have to get it perfect on the first try. Self-gifting is a process—take notes, reflect on what works, and keep building on what you learn. This year, as you ponder what the best gift to give yourself is, think outside the box (pun intended!). You might not find it wrapped up under the tree, but it just might be the most valuable gift of all.

Today’s Quote:
"The best things in life are not things." — Art Buchwald

All right team.  I would love for you to share the gift you decide to give yourself.  Come on over to the happier you Facebook group and share yours with us over there!

Remember, when you have a choice, choose happy.  Have a good one, and go get your happy on!