Just send an electronic gift card?

 

Well, you want to know what I think?  I think that's a great idea, especially this year. If you are like me, you have been anxiously tracking packages since the end of November, and there is still no delivery in sight. What to do? 

I know...a gift card can seem very impersonal. But, would the consequences of no gift be worse? I guess you are the only one that can decide that. If you know the person you are giving the gift to well enough to go into a store, choose a gift, take it home, wrap it, and then ship it.....that person must be family, or like family! I made a dress for my granddaughter, bought a handmade toy for her, and bought another handmade gift for my daughter. I was so proud of myself for getting it into the mail around Thanksgiving. Alas, I sent it to an old address...senior moment, I suppose. Anyway...when it didn't arrive as expected, I assumed it was lost. But I asked God to send it back to me, and He did. God is so good to care about even the little things in our lives. I was able to ship it off again (to the correct address) and it made it! Woohoo!!

Would my granddaughter have been as pleased with a gift card? I hope not! But, my daughter and son-in-law? (Actually, my son-in-law did get a gift card to Lowes). I really don't think they mind either way. For them, it's just nice to know that we haven't forgotten them....yet. That may come in another 10-15 years....

Anyway, my point is...most of the time, it's the thought that counts.  A well-thought out gift is always the best. And, the more personal, the better. So, if time is of the essence right now, and since we can't depend on an overwhelmed shipping system...I recommend you get that E-card to them in time to take advantage of the after Christmas sales. Do you know where they like to shop? Make it as specific as possible. For example, if you know that WalMart is where he/she shops for everything, then WalMart it is. However, people that know me, know that my favorite clothing splurge is Talbot's, and they always have awesome after Christmas sales. So....hint, hint....you get the idea. If it's just a general Visa card, it's great for anything...even necessities. And maybe someone you know could really use some help with the basics right now. What a blessing that would be! 

So, to answer your question...May I just send an electronic gift card this Christmas? I think that's a great idea! Thanks for asking!

And, if that special someone would enjoy some luxury bath and body care products, just visit me at 

https://KarineJoncas.com/MarthaP

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Martha, May I?: Disconnect?

Martha, May I?: Disconnect?:   What would you like to disconnect from? I ask that because, if you are like me, I recently realized that for the last couple of weeks, I w...

Disconnect?

 

What would you like to disconnect from?

I ask that because, if you are like me, I recently realized that for the last couple of weeks, I was already disconnected. There I was, in the midst of family, busy with work and school...knowing that I have so much to be thankful for; in need of nothing; and yet, feeling anxious and fretful, as if there was always something that I should be doing, but not knowing what it could possibly be; something more, more, more!! I was impatient and irritable, not pleasant to be around, I'm sure. 

I finally identified the feeling as "disconnected." I was disconnected from those closest, and most important to me...

How did I end up in that situation? I have a job that I love. It allows me to connect with people and help them with various problems they have in their life. I am a people person. I enjoy being with them. Like so many others, I've tried to make up for this by being electronically connected. And for me, an electronic connection just doesn't work. I want, and need more. But, I was looking in all the wrong places....more electronic distractions; more time in FaceBook, more time in a stupid game that always wanted me to do something more, more, more! I knew it was a waste of time, but my mind was so distracted, and I desperately needed to focus on something....anything! What a downward spiral that proved to be! I knew better, but I just didn't do better. 

Praise the Lord, for a moment of clarity and realization...I had become my own worst enemy! Now it was time to come up with a new plan, and a new focus. Can I walk totally away from social media? Not right now.  It really is the main way for me to work my business under the current circumstances. Can I be smarter with the way I use it? Absolutely!

So, there are a couple of things that I'm planning to do:

1 - Drastically reduce my social media time. I can check my email 2-3 times a day and find out everything I need to know in there.

2 - A couple of minutes of FaceBook time to make sure I am responding to my customers comments, 3 times a day is enough. 

3 - Keep a good book going to pick up and read for a mental break, instead of my phone or iPad.

4- I can actually call someone instead of texting them. Now, I love texting...short, sweet, and to the point. But, it is no substitute for hearing a human voice and having a real conversation. 

I have a problem, and it's time to address it.

"I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights.."

I want to stay connected....really connected to the people that I am so blessed to have in my life....family, friends, neighbors. People are hurting right now, and I want to reach out and touch in a personal, meaningful way. That helps me just as much as I hope it helps them!

So, don't be surprised if I call you just to ask..."how are you really doing?" And you feel free to do the same. I am still texting and posting. It has its place. But I am resolved to keep social media and all of its buddies in the proper place in my life.....not in charge of my life. Does that make sense?

I hope I have answered your question. Yes, you may, and probably should disconnect from some things from time to time. Just make sure they are the right things.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Disconnecting!!

Martha

p.s....I'm also going to make sure I give myself some self care, and continue sharing how to do that with others. Please feel free to ask me how!