The perfect gift is a gratitude fountainhead towards the giver. The receiver understands the resources of thought, time, money, and effort poured into the ideal selection, which causes the heart to leap. The receiver feels deeply known and loved.

During a discussion with Tim Ferriss, author Elizabeth Gilbert explained her concept of giving gifts to her future self. Gifts were found in the mundane, such as the dreaded daily flossing or in her more substantive meticulous research methodology for a new writing project.

You make decisions for this or that, each day that will provide the daily raw materials for someone you may barely recognize. Each night you pull covers to your chin, your day's work culminated as a tree planted for tomorrow's shade.

Did you put the gym bag by the door to make the exercise commitment easier to keep, or return the tools to the proper spot, so there is no need to rummage? Did you practice delayed gratification to attain another step closer to college savings and retirement account goals?

Every human encountering the magic of waking to consciousness for another day can start with gratitude to yesterday's human who has disappeared. They bequeathed family and friends, a couple of dollars, and a morsel of food in the refrigerator, to start the day.

Receiving these gifts and acknowledging the kindness of another who invested resources to deliver them to you can inspire generosity to fuel the cycle. Ingratitude ensures stinginess characterizes today since it is that old person that suffers tomorrow.

What is a favorite gift your younger self gave you?

What is a mundane gift you give your future self?

What is a big gift you anticipate your future self enjoying?

How can you cultivate gratitude in this giving/receiving cycle?