For a holiday with heart, try the ‘Emotional Gift Guide’

As we enjoy this holiday season, let’s remember that not all gifts are wrapped in shiny paper and decorated with ribbon and bows.

There are many intangible gifts of the heart we can share with those who deserve special recognition and attention — for who they are, what they do, and the important role they play in our lives.

Here’s a 20-item Emotional Gift Guide which I hope will be meaningful in this season of celebration.

• To yourself: respect, confidence, faith and fortitude.

• To a family member: communication and understanding, even if there have been challenges.

• To a friend: a heartfelt, caring spirit and appreciation.

• To our natural world, animal and plant life: admiration, protection and preservation.

• To a good cause: generosity of time and treasure and ardent advocacy. • To a traveler: an open door of hospitality. • To our military forces and first responders: honor, admiration, and support to heal the wounds.

• To the ill and hurting: conscientious concern and comfort.

• To the hungry and homeless: compassion, emergency care and creative community solutions.

• To the abused, neglected and abandoned: representation, security and hope.

• To someone with a special challenge: recognition, acceptance and a path to independence.

• To the addicted and troubled: open arms, forgiveness and a positive path to recovery.

• To an infant and toddler: attention, attachment, safety and learning opportunities.

• To a child or teen: patience, guidance and a positive example through mentoring.

• To a parent in need: a helping hand and valuable guidance.

• To an elder: reverence, gratitude and dignified care.

• To a customer or client: excellent service and lasting value.

• To everyone you see, friends and strangers alike: a smile, kindness and positive energy.

• To people of every age: unconditional love and sincere gratitude.

• To all the peoples of the world: justice and peace.

If we are willing, we are all able to help make our community a stronger and safer place for ourselves, families and neighbors across the generations.

Jack Levine ( jack@4gen.org) is the founder of Tallahassee-based 4Generations Institute.