Instead of, Try

Instead of:

• Maxing out your credit cards as an indirect way of showing people you care about them.

Try:

• Writing a heartfelt note telling someone you care about them. Pair it with a small token of thanks: freshly-baked cookies, for example, or a small toy for their pet.

Instead of:

• Driving yourself crazy racing to holiday parties and reunions that you don't really want to attend.

Try:

• Giving yourself a break. Say "no" to the invite, put on your fuzzy pajama slippers, and watch that romantic comedy you haven't had the time to see.

Instead of:

• Giving money you can't afford to charity, out of a sense of guilt or a desire for tax reduction,

Try:

• Becoming personally involved with a local cause. Bring balloons to child cancer survivors spending the holidays in the hospital. Visit an elderly person spending the holidays alone.

Instead of:

• Giving your business associates grief about the fact that their report is a week late,

Try:

• Giving them a break. They're under stress just as much as you are – maybe more.

Instead of:

• Giving someone a handout,

Try:

• Giving them mentoring, encouragement, and advice so they can develop the confidence to succeed on their own.

Instead of:

• Giving your neighbor, your grocery store clerk, or your local gas station attendant a polite nod with limited eye contact

Try:

• Giving that person a hearty smile, direct eye contact, and a heartfelt inquiry into how their day is going.

Instead of:

• Giving an anonymous blogger grief for their political or religious opinions,

Try:

• Seeing the world from their point of view, if only for a minute.

Instead of:

• Giving resentment to someone who wronged you,

Try:

• Giving that person the benefit of the doubt.

Instead of:

• Giving your attention only to the people, places and causes that are most familiar to you,

Try:

• Giving yourself the joy of experiencing something new and different.

by Paula Pant

Thanks to wise money managing, Paula Pant has traveled to 27 countries, purchased a 99-year-old Victorian home near central Atlanta’s most beautiful park, and has never — ever — had a penny in debt. Her blog, Afford Anything, is based on one radical idea: money should never hinder your dreams.

Paula Pant

View all posts by Paula Pant