Giving to themselves is another aspect of life with which many men have an issue. Work and priorities are always first, but...  

Giving defined

Many people in many countries are thankful despite many affairs of the world going downhill and economies that could be even better. Unexpected layoffs, financial setbacks, or a desire to spend more time with the near and dear serve as a reality check. A call for people to rethink their idea of wealth and prosperity.  People focus more on satisfaction with the quality of life than on satisfaction from consumption.  The big shift is in people questioning whether the ways in which they spend time bring them higher satisfaction.  More money doesn't always lead to more happiness. Many people are hence getting off the hedonistic treadmill and look for ways to realign with other values that matter to them. I focus on adding value to those people as a companion. masseuse, coach, and healer by intimacy. 

Different things to different people

For some people that means starting a business that allows more flexibility even if it earns less money. They learn that money is here today gone tomorrow, but life experiences stay.  I've seen friendships end because people's coaches said "that's not the right circle to be in".  Although many people have received similar advice on building wealth, they want none of it now.  Albeit there will always be people who will focus on accumulating wealth, the focus of more and more people is on pursuing wealth of experiences.

For others redefining wealth and prosperity may mean downshifting their careers. After almost losing their children and spouses many people trade high-flying professional careers for simpler jobs.  The most ambitious types admit that they're happy with their decisions, but still sometimes struggle to maintain balance. Their personalities are very driven and to stop working and put the families first is a constant effort.  Working as x doesn't pay as much as did the previous job, but people appreciate more time and holidays.  Although these high-flying pros' former jobs meant frequent traveling to nice places,  they never had time to enjoy them.

Giving materially

In addition to rethinking their careers some people have also scaled back on holiday gifts.  Their children get one gift from the parents, one from Santa, and a few from other family members.  These people see their friends go crazy with gifts for the kids and believe that this approach feeds materialism and entitlement.  These parents hope to model generosity and selflessness to their children. So they put money into good causes for their communities instead of buying gifts.

While some givers donate in lieu of presents, others buy experiential gifts. This option has grown in popularity. Taking a family member to lunch, treating themselves to a time with me, or calling me to give a massage to a spouse or relative are good examples.  People give more time based gifts and make gifts. 

A friend made me the pictured gifts by hand from wood over several years.  Would this gentleman go to this extent if he didn't care about me?  Many other friends have given me gifts of experiences: a lunch, day at the spa, weekend away, show, etc. Others gave me gifts of food. Artistic friends even gave me cards with poems or verses which they wrote. The poems and verses were symbolic of my persona or life.

Giving to yourself is important too!

Giving to ourselves reminds us of why we work and that we're here to enjoy life. It motivates us and brings sparkles into life. It gives us things to look forward to. And that's important. So once you have gifts for everyone else, make it your turn to give to yourself for hard work, being a good citizen, or whatever you achieved.  Would a gift to yourself of a few hours of inspiring, entertaining, and caring company be perfect? Or perhaps even an aromatherapeutic relaxing massage? Or even good coaching on a demon that has sabotaged you for years? If yes, I invite you to be my receiver!