The Most Precious Gift – As the holiday season approaches, many of us are contemplating what gifts to buy our friends and family. What is the most perfect present that would bring them joy? What if we treated ourselves with the same amount of care and consideration that we give to our loved ones?
In July, I treated myself to the precious gift of companionship, friendship, adventure, and discovery. I ventured on a road trip with one of my best girlfriends in what is referred to as the jewel coast in the southeast US. If you know me, I’m not actually a fan of long car rides. I fidget and need to move; sitting still for long periods of time bothers my back. I also hydrate constantly and have been accused of having “kindergarten kidneys” and needing to use the restroom often. In fact, I fly way more often than I drive.
So, when one of my best girlfriends suggested we go on a road trip to Jekyll Island, GA, Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, and Amelia Island, FL in one week, my first gut reaction was hell no, that would be torture, I can’t do that! Then I found myself surprised to say out loud, “That sounds like fun; why not?!” Truth be told, I said yes because of who asked me.
One of my dearest friends lost her husband to stage IV lung cancer a year ago this Thanksgiving. I spent a lot of time in the two years of his illness visiting with her as she was caregiving. It was excruciating to see him deteriorate and her be so worn down mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Cancer takes a toll on everyone involved.
Her husband was always a true gentleman. Even sick, he would bring us champagne while we hung out in the pool. He knew how much she needed the break from the stress of working, tending to the home, and caring for him. I always remark to her how he remains to this day my favorite sommelier.
Susan and Steve were together for over 50 years, having met early on in college. They traveled extensively together, enjoyed fine wine and food, and hosted wonderful parties for their friends. They grew up together and were forever friends and an embodiment of a loving couple.
One of my favorite memories was when we sheltered in place during one of the hurricanes that visit Florida on occasion. I had just moved two miles from the beach and was told to evacuate. They graciously offered to have me stay with them. Well, that was not a hard decision to make, as they are amazing hosts and chefs and have an incredible wine collection! I was “sheltering” at a five-star hotel! Steve was about a year into his illness at that point, and Susan was planning events so he would have something to look forward to—trying to keep some normalcy in their lives. We stayed up late listening to 70s music, planning for a 70s-themed garden party they had planned to hold in the spring. We drank wine, sang, and laughed. All of us are forgetting about the storm and his illness for a little while. What a great night.
In the spring, Steve was dressed in 70s funk and Susan as a flower child. I pulled off my best Stevie Nicks costume—and many of their friends still refer to me as “Stevie.” My favorite picture is of “Steve and Stevie.” He made it another six months after that party.
So, when Susan asked me to go on a road trip for my birthday, I found myself instinctively agreeing, as I knew we both needed time away for different reasons. I couldn’t recall the last time I took an entire week off. Lots of long weekends, but an entire week? What a luxurious indulgence. So, Thelma and Louise hit the road together in July. While we didn’t drive off a cliff, we did jump into the Atlantic Ocean several times. It truly was the best gift I could have given myself and her.
When I think of my favorite moments from that birthday trip, there are many. Being serenaded by bellhops and bartenders, receiving white glove treatment everywhere, experiencing true southern hospitality, enjoying the best low country food along with exquisite fine dining, sipping fabulous wine and champagne, exploring historic mansions, marveling at ghost stories, journaling on the beach, sharing Casa Amigos Expresso martinis, lots of laughter, being roommates, swapping stories, and most surprising to me, learning that my cultured Canadian friend loves grits and fried green tomatoes! One moment stands above all the rest. One that I consider a treasured gift, probably the best birthday present I have ever received, came from Susan.
On my birthday morning, she said, “Thank you.” I said, “For what?” She said, “Yesterday was the first day I haven’t cried in the last eight months.” As I got tears in my eyes and she had them in hers, I did what I always do, lightened the mood, and said, “Well, you just blew that!” And we both laughed and hugged.
Especially at this time of year, it’s critical to reflect on what’s really important in life. To me, love is all there is. A wise man once said, “Love one another as you love yourself.” A wise woman once said, “Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s sacred.” Treasure those heart-opening moments with your friends, your family, and celebrate yourself this season.
Making memories to last a lifetime is the most precious gift you can give yourself and those you love. Wishing you a soul-intelligence-filled holiday season!
Should you wish to give yourself the gift of self-care this holiday season, visit www.soulintelligencemethod.com to join my email list, learn when my free group sessions are held, and perhaps schedule a soul intelligence session for yourself or a loved one.
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“Love one another as you love yourself.” – Kristine Genovese
About the Author
Kristine Genovese founded the Soul Intelligence® Method, a transformative healing system designed to clear energetic blocks for lasting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As an author, spiritual gangster, and speaker, Kristine empowers others to realign with their highest self and live a soul-led life of purpose and freedom. Learn more at her website.
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