{"id":50641,"date":"2019-05-09T11:13:22","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T16:13:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-stage.familylife.com\/www\/?p=50641"},"modified":"2019-05-09T11:13:22","modified_gmt":"2019-05-09T16:13:22","slug":"affirmation-the-perfect-graduation-gift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp-stage.familylife.com\/www\/articles\/topics\/holidays\/featured-holidays\/other-holidays\/affirmation-the-perfect-graduation-gift\/","title":{"rendered":"Affirmation: the Perfect Graduation Gift"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

It’s graduation season. You might be picking up gift cards and browsing future planning books to gift the graduate in your life. They’ll appreciate those.  But what if you could give something more? Something that won’t run out of uses over time.<\/p>\n

Jody Noland, founder of Leave Nothing Unsaid<\/a> considers herself an ambassador for \u201ceulogizing the living.\u201d  She teaches people to display and name our feelings toward loved ones, affirming them while we have the opportunity. Of course we’re all accustomed to deliver love letters and last words to those on the brink of death. But she says that\u2019s not enough. She incites young and old alike to speak affirmations into one another\u2019s lives today.<\/p>\n

When someone does something for us, it\u2019s easy to appreciate them. At a momentous accomplishment, we celebrate with our presence. But how good are we at giving affirmation to the person<\/em> for his or her special qualities, outside of the act that\u2019s been done or the moment being shared?<\/p>\n

This is important because \u201cwhen you\u2019re inside the jar, you can\u2019t read your own label. So often we can see qualities in people we love that they cannot see in themselves. Sharing those words brings them to life,\u201d said Jody Noland.<\/p>\n

Noland agrees that writing blesses the writer as well as the reader. Consider their suggestions when you\u2019re ready to craft letters of affirmation that can speak an important legacy into the lives of new graduates.<\/p>\n

How to write an affirmation<\/h2>\n

1. Make a list of who you\u2019d like to write to. This isn’t only an idea for grads. You can deliver this gift to many in your life on various occasions.<\/p>\n

2. Once you’ve settled on the recipient, list the qualities you want to affirm. Keep the list of affirmations positive and very sincere, focusing on the person\u2019s wonderful characteristics and wiring.<\/p>\n

3. Decide when you\u2019d like to share the letter. The letter can tie in nicely with special events (graduations, weddings) or holidays (Mother\u2019s Day, Father\u2019s Day).<\/p>\n

Receive more encouraging content like this delivered to your inbox!<\/i><\/span> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>\n

How not to write an affirmation<\/h2>\n

1. Don\u2019t use the affirmation letter as a medium to apologize or correct. Focus on affirming characteristics you see and ways you\u2019ve observe God use the person\u2019s gifts.<\/p>\n

2. Don\u2019t strive for a certain length. \u201cPeople who have trouble writing think they won\u2019t be eloquent, but that doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Noland said. \u201cPeople just want to know they\u2019re loved and valued.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t avoid people who are difficult to write. \u201cThose are usually the people who need it the most,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Communicating to the people we love in an affirming way is vital to the health of our relationships. Try it for an upcoming special event in your family’s life or just to speak like in affirmation to someone on any regular day. It will be a memorable way to honor someone.<\/p>\n

\n

Copyright \u00a9 2019 by FamilyLife. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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