Have you ever heard that saying about the best gifts being in tiny boxes? It’s a classic, right? Guess what? Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that don’t even bother with wrapping paper. Sometimes, they show up as a one-way ticket to Portugal and a sprinkle of bravery to actually take the plunge.
Alright, let me explain.
When people ask me about the best gift I’ve ever gotten, I could totally rave about my never-ending stash of notebooks that make me giddy (yes, I’m that person who gets all hyped over fresh stationery – no judging allowed!), the books that have totally changed my perspective, or the flowers that add a splash of colour to my life.
But here’s the real scoop: the best present I ever got was one I wrapped up for myself on July 6, 2016 – the gift of freedom. Talk about a self-care win!
A Gift Without a Receipt
It didn’t come in a fancy package—there was no gift receipt in sight! Instead, it showed up as a wild, thrilling choice to finally love myself enough to ditch a life that just didn’t fit. Why not ditch the cosy confines of societal and family expectations, hop on a plane, and kickstart a brand new adventure in a different country?
What a theatrical twist on returning a gift that just doesn’t fit, huh?
But you know what? Giving yourself the gift of freedom isn’t just a one-and-done deal. It’s more like a present you keep unwrapping over and over again! It’s like one of those never-ending gift boxes that just keeps on giving, layer after layer! Every challenge I tackled – picking up a new language, starting fresh, and battling those pesky whispers of self-doubt that insisted “You’re not good enough” – was like peeling back another layer to reveal the real me.
Plot Twist: Freedom Is Messy
Did it give you the heebie-jeebies? You betcha! Ever find yourself wishing you could just send a gift back to the sender? Yeah, me too. The first few months in Portugal? More like a survival challenge than a vacation, if you ask me!
Once the internal storms settled and the fog of fear cleared, it hit me—I had gifted myself something truly invaluable: the freedom to be totally, unapologetically me.
(I have to say, having a stash of notebooks to spill all these feelings into really did the trick. And let’s not forget the occasional bouquet of flowers to sprinkle a little sunshine on those tough days. What can I say, right? Some gift clichés are clichés for a reason! 😉)
Seven Years of Unwrapping
Fast forward seven years, and here I am with two cats, a partner who’s a total gem, a gorgeous baby, and a life that feels like it was tailor-made for me. Absolutely, I still get a kick out of unwrapping real gifts (books and stationery are my jam – just saying), but honestly, nothing beats the thrill of picking your own adventure, of giving yourself the green light, even when it makes your heart race a little. Especially then!
Isn’t it amusing that the greatest present I ever wrapped for myself was just a little permission slip to let things slide? It’s all about shedding those pesky expectations from others, ditching the comfy yet awkward routines, and rewriting the script of the life I thought I had to follow.
By letting go, I cleared the way for something fresh to sprout – something genuine, something honest, and something beautifully, delightfully flawed.
Your Turn to Open Something Special
Alright, I’ve got a question for you: What’s the perfect present you should treat yourself to? It might not be a one-way ticket to some far-off land (but if that’s your vibe, I’ve got some handy tips for you!). Maybe it’s just the green light to be your true self, go after that dream, and finally make that change you’ve been mulling over.
No matter what it is, I really hope you muster up the guts to treat yourself to that little present. And hey, why not grab a new notebook while you’re at it? Perfect for jotting down all those adventures! 😉
P.S. Just to clarify, I’m still all about those flowers, books, and stationery! Keep ’em coming! Some things just stick around, no matter how much the rest of the world decides to shake things up! Flower power, book vibes, and a sprinkle of magic! 🌸📚✨
Drop your thoughts in the comments below! What’s the most awesome gift you’ve ever treated yourself to? I’m all ears for your tales of self-gifting! Whether it’s a big life decision or just a little something that makes you smile, I want to hear it all.
