“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart” ― Helen Keller

The best gifts have nothing to do with money. They aren’t monetary nor objects we buy and give to each other.

The best gifts are moments. They are the little details, the moments we take for granted. They are feelings and emotions. And I’ve learned these gifts are what matter the most. They give us life, love, and meaning.

The best gifts are….

• Opening up and sharing fears without judgment.
• Being vulnerable and having that vulnerability accepted.
• Feeling no pressure to be someone you’re not.
• Comfort and safety felt when together.
• Words shared with meaning.
• Glances which convey so much more than words could ever say.
• Your time — and always wanting more.
• Feeling like time stands still — and nothing else matters except that moment.
• Realizing there is so much more to learn, and the more I learn, the more I want to know.
• Understanding the light you see in me, I also see in you.
• The feeling of being connected on a level which is hard to explain.
• The sound and sight of you.
• The way someone makes you feel.
• Your spirit and energy.
• Being willing to put the work in to make the bond stronger.
• Moments which no one else would understand.
• Knowing something is just different — unlike anything before.
• Growing together while learning to keep the fears, loneliness, and shame away.
• Understanding we are worthy of love and belonging.
• Understanding we are enough.
• The gentle touch of your hand, the softness of your lips.
• Those blue eyes, that smile, and the way you laugh.
• The way your hair falls.
• The little things which make you, you.
• Respect, kindness, and understanding.
• Learning how to communicate in healthy ways.
• Being grateful for the time you give.
• Your presence when we are together.
• Trust and honesty.
• Me. Us. Together.
• Love, love, and more love.
• Having someone treat your heart like it’s their own.

These are the gifts we should treasure and grow. Like a tree, these gifts should be nurtured and watered so it provides us with cover during the storms. Like a tree’s roots, these gifts should be spread so there is a firm foundation. And like when a tree loses its leaves, these gifts should be gathered up and kept inside us so there can be a renewal when seasons change.

The best gifts are free and readily available. They are within us — we just need to learn how to find and cherish them. Then share them. @jefftherunner1 (Click to Tweet!)

* Originally published at jeffthewriter.com 

Jeff Barton is a writer, ultra-runner, lover of books and zombies, a practitioner of positive thinking, and most importantly, a dad. Living and loving life one day at a time. You can find him at jeffthewriter.com and jefftherunner.com.

Image courtesy of Bart LaRue.