"I" Pincher
For Thoughtful Pinch, March 2020 started off with Blogiversary give aways PLUS two descriptions of thoughtfulness styles. I have curated a total of ten thoughtfulness styles and each week for the month of March, I am going to go over in detail, two styles at a time.
P-I-N-C-H spells pinch. Last week we went over professional and proper thoughtfulness styles because they start with the letter “P”. This week, we will acknowledge the two thoughtfulness styles that begin with the letter “I.”
At my son’s school there is a huge sign by the gym that says, “Be the ‘I’ in Kind”. I just love that! It’s the opposite of the phrase, “There is no ‘I’ in team”, however, “I” is so important in both phrases. In regards to thoughtfulness styles, the letter “I” represents “i”mpactful messages.
Oprah was an influencer long before You Tubers were paid big dollars to influence their followers. Her “Favorite Things” episodes were epic in that every item that she gave away to her audience members was sure to be sold out across the country soon after those episodes would air. All of us who were not fortunate enough to receive the items from Oprah, would go buy them because if Oprah loved it, then we would too. Now that is an influencer!
If you’re an “I” Pincher, you’re INFLUENCED by others who know how to give good gifts. If everyone else is buying an item, it must mean that it’s a thoughtful gift so we jump on the bandwagon. Many of us look to others who know a little more than we do about what dads or aunts or teachers or baristas or cat lovers want for their birthday or the holidays. It’s the reason why gift guides exist and Pinterest boards are popular and stylists are trusted and INFLUENCERS are paid to influence. We need help getting the perfect thoughtful pinch .
An “I” Pincher could also be INSIGHTFUL. You’re someone who goes out of your way to give a friend who is on a diet, gifts that won’t sabotage their efforts. Or because you know that if you omit trinkets from party favor bags, parents won’t have them all over their homes. You’re thinking of what’s ahead not just about the moment. Most likely, you’re empathetic and your thoughtfulness is deliberate.
When I bring in treats for the faculty and staff at the lower school on a Monday morning, I try to bring in as many naturally Gluten Free items as I can. Tortilla chips, artichoke dip, the heart dip above has only Mascarpone cheese, pomegranate and honey, Hersey Kisses and Vanilla Meringues are all GF. Although i made GF brownies, some prefer the taste of brownies made the traditional way; so they have may skipped these. Even though I avoid gluten as much as possible, some days I want a heart -shaped bagel! When I bring a well-rounded variety, there is something for everyone.
For my kids parties, I try to be mindful about what goes into the goodie bags but I still want the kids to have fun opening something when the party is over and they’re heading home. The year my daughter turned 7 (see first picture) we had each guest bring in a book instead of a gift for my daughter. Then we had a book exchange and so everyone went home with another book. We also gave out tea cups because the theme was tea party. For my son’s 7th birthday, the theme was like ninja-warrior and instead of a cake, everyone got to make their own frozen yogurt dessert. The goodie bags above had $7 gift cards to a popular frozen yogurt place in town. The bags did not contain candy or little toys to pick up and there was no fuss for me to shop for a bunch of stuff. My hope was not only for the kids to enjoy a treat but for the parents to appreciate the INSIGHT.
Now you may find yourself relating to more than one style - again that is perfectly normal! Everyone is thoughtful so do not panic if any of these styles are not yours. We’ve got plenty more styles to dive into and you may relate to those instead. The most important message that I want to impart each week when I’m explaining thoughtfulness styles is that no one will be exactly the same when it comes to how they show their thoughtfulness. Just be aware of the way you like to show your care and love. And for heaven’s sake - do not compare yourself to anyone! At the end of March, we’ll review all ten styles of thoughtfulness and see where we fall. Next week we’ll go over thoughtfulness styles that begin with the letter “N”.
Pinches,
Barb