By Frank James, Special to the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Many people in the world celebrate Christmas by giving gifts to loved ones. This act of gifting is viewed as an act of love and sharing with others. It is easy to give a gift to someone you love or care about. What about giving a gift to someone that you do not hold in high esteem? A person you may even dislike. Before you say I am crazy, read on.
How many of you have someone you dislike, but work with, or have to see on a regular basis? How many of you have unpleasant thoughts when you think about certain people? The thoughts about these people usually make you angry, or create a bad mood in you. Be honest and think about who you interact with, or have in the past. I am sure there are some people, probably several, who seem to make you think negative thoughts when they cross your mind. These are the people you need to buy gifts for. Why? The gift you give them is a small one compared to the gift you will give yourself by this act.
The gift you will give yourself by being magnanimous is release. You will be releasing the pent up feelings of hate, and possible aggression, you have towards this person. Be truthful and admit the fact that more than likely there is someone you deal with, or have, that you have some issues with. This person may be someone you have dealt with in the past and may not even interact with anymore. If this is the case; the act of being kind and giving this person a token of harmony at Christmas is paramount. You have to release and move on in life. The small gift to the person, or persons, will be a form of release for you.
People often think about the people they dislike more than the ones they like. This is why the act of gifting and releasing is so vital. The releasing and forgiving free your mind of the hostile thoughts that intrude when you imagine, or see this person. Having these negative thoughts reside in your mind is similar to trying to swim with an anchor, or three, tied to your neck. It can be done, but look at the effort you use to do it. If you are someone who truly believes that this is the season to be jolly, then allow yourself to be jolly. Give your so-called enemy a gift.
I understand there are some scenarios where this is impossible. The person is not in the same part of the country as you are. The person may be violent towards you and entering their presence may be unhealthy. In these cases you can send the person a mental gift, or use Amazon and send a gift anonymously. The mental gift of positive thought and well wishes is just as effective as a box of chocolates. It is the thought processes that the gift releases you from that is the true prize. How smoothly would your day go if you didn’t have mental issues with someone you disliked? Would your day, and life, be more harmonious if you released any pent up anger and hate towards various individuals? Be honest and shame the devil.
‘Tis the season for love and compassion around the world. Share some of that love and have compassion for yourself. Give a gift to someone you can’t stand or feel used by. Remember, it can be a mental act if a physical gift is not an option. The true person receiving this priceless gift will be yourself in the form of peace and harmony in your mind. Feliz Navidad.
Frank James IV © 2025
beingfrankwithfrank@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and not of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper or HT Group, LLC, its staff or management. “Being Frank” is a bi-weekly column exclusive to the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper.
