About the Author

Dr. Alisha Reed is a licensed pharmacist and a widow mom who believes that self-care is non-negotiable. She is the creator of the lifestyle brand FLY with Alisha Reed, moderates a widow support group, and hosts The Fly Widow Podcast.

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    • Yes! I love the article. I listen to your podcast often. Listening to your podcast has been inspirational for me as I travel this new journey of widowed mom of 2. More than you will ever know.

      I try so hard to be present when I’m with someone. I appreciate when others have “made a space” for me. I am grateful for time to just be…

      I, too, realize that I AM the gift and my children are My gifts.

      If/when I stay still, I can feel the gifts that have been afforded me, from myself, others and God…

  1. I enjoyed this article as it made me think about my talent. I am going to be empathetic this holiday season. In particular with myself and show myself grace this holiday season and remove the cape.

  2. Wow!!! Powerful. I just gave gift money to two of my bosses and I feel like time and lack of preparedness didn’t allow me to give them something nicer, which is just letting them know how much I appreciate them. You are so right that just being present is a gift. I think what I provide others is listening skills and just survival skills as well so that they can feel motivated to overcome any hurdles they may face. I thank you for this article because I really believe we needed to read this as women. We always want to tie in some type of material aspect to giving but we do so much and just our actions and this article makes it even more simple than that, it’s also about being present and our ability to be there for others.

  3. You are so inspiring. Listening to someone, truly listening is a very precious gift, one which I try to let others know I am present to give to them any time they are in need. Thank you for sharing.

  4. I absolutely love this article, it was for filling and kept me interested until the end. Often times we forget that our presence is the present!

  5. Great article and a reminder that it’s not all about the gifts rather Christmas, wedding or birthday, just be present 😊

  6. I will pray more and think of other’s . Not just my family or myself other’s people that are in my life and in path.

  7. This article really touched my heart. Each passing year brings the loss of dear friends or relatives leaving me to cherish the wonderful memories that are left behind. We all need to understand what gratitude and thanksgiving really mean. It’s not about the presents but the person who loved you most. My parents and my husband are both gone, but their sacrifices to make me happy can never be forgotten. I’m so glad that you’re teaching your son to value the people God has placed in your lives. Some people will be with us for a season and some are strangers who through an act of kindness touch our lives for a few seconds. What a difference these people make in our lives. We must thank God for his goodness to us. All blessings are not monetary!

  8. Dr. Alisha, thank you for this timely and much appreciated reminder. May we receive with gladness and appreciation the value of the gift of others and their presence in our lives, just as we want them to value our presence. Wishing you, your son and your family the gifts of joy, love, peace, and the presents/presence of each other this holiday season.

  9. Not to be a Debbie Downer but this has been the worst Christmas I’ve experienced in my entire life. So much has happened to me in the last two months, I just try to keep my sanity every day to make it to the next one.

  10. I’ve read this piece and it had me thinking that this is true for me as well. I’m at a place where I think that I have not added to anyone’s life or my own and realized after reading your article that I have given folks a gift my wisdom, my love, support, encouragement, prayers, financial support etc. but the point I put others before myself in the circle of love and that is a gift no material item can compare. Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays!

  11. My God-given gift is so inspiring that I lose myself reading about others’ accomplishments. My desire to do what you’re doing (write) has yet to be fulfilled; however, I find joy in reading the stories of others.

  12. I am so inspired by your words! Thank you for sharing. You are a GIFT indeed. I am compelled to think of my presence in a different light, remembering that I, just as I am, a “present.” I have given and will continue to give of my “talents,” things that I never truly realized were treasures. This post is insightful and a blessing!

  13. This was the perfect article at this time of year. It is not the gift I am looking for it is the presence I love. The gift if any has always simply been icing on the cake. I look forward to the laughter their smiles and their hugs. I truly hate to see the time when they all leave to return to their own homes.

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