A few years ago a friend of mine gifted herself a somewhat-childish gift. At the time, I thought it was a bit extravagant for an older woman to give herself such a present, but I simply congratulated her choice and didn't share my reservations. Now, a few years later, I'm about to gift myself a gift I never received--again, it is a bit of childish gift, one that many receive in their teens. Rather than a material gift, this is a gift of time and attention to a particular pursuit.
I believe that many of us have a list of a gifts desired, but never received. These are longings from our earlier days--hopes unfulfilled. What is wonderful about this notion is that you may gift yourself these gifts later on in life to fill the void--make up the difference.
So now when I think back to my friend's efforts to gift herself a gift unreceived, I realize that more than the material object she chose, it was the meaning behind the gift. The gift she gave herself represented attention to herself, essentially her worth as an individual. She acknowledged that by giving herself that longed for present.
The same will be true of my gift to myself--it is a gift I wished for when I was young, but due to circumstances, I did not receive that gift, and now, with time, I can afford that gift to myself.
It seems extravagant to give yourself a long hoped for or wished for gift, but if the gift means that you'll be a happier person--the kind of person who is able to better support and love others, then why not gift yourself that long overdue present.
What gifts did you long for and never receive? How can you gift yourself those objects or experiences now? Will that be a positive thing to do?