The Gift of Living

I was recently very intrigued by an online article entitled "Mindfulness Over Matter" (http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0712.asp) by Sheryl Eisenberg. This article discusses the Holiday tradition of gift giving in a very unique perspective. What would Christmas be like if we, as consumers, gave the gifts of time, love and tradition as opposed to labels, receipts and gift cards? What if, following the Holiday Season, our hearts remained half as full of memories as our dumpsters were of wrapping paper?

I recently took a stroll down the 16th Street Mall during a very cold winter evening. Bundled up in layers of warm clothing, I admired the energy of the city. Twinkling lights, pedestrians toting frothy cups of cappuccino and bundled children all seemed to melt into a postcard image. For a moment, I was frozen in admiration of a scene that is all too uncommon...a scene of togetherness. Wouldn't it be great if each of us, every once in a while, could preserve the gift of friendship, of kindness and of camaraderie?

As we look into the 2008 with hope of a greener Denver, let us first focus on a preservation of self, and of the relationships that are dear to us. Before investing in another costly Christmas wish list, invest in the individuals that will prove to be far better assets with more lucrative returns!