For some guys, asking for a second opinion on a medical diagnosis is like asking for directions - it just doesn't happen. But how important is that second opinion for all of us?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, I would like to make a suggestion about holiday giving.  Instead of agonizing over what to buy, dreading the idea of shopping, wrapping, and shipping, and then worrying about paying the bills, why not consider the gift of yourself?

The fact is most of us reading this blog have everything we really need – and many of us have much more than we even need, can ever use, or even manage.  We struggle to find space for what we do have, waste time and energy looking for what we can’t find, and in the process, discover things we didn’t even know we had!

Every day’s mail brings letters describing the needs of organizations trying to help people in need. This sounds to me like an opportunity for a different kind of giving.  Here are seven possibilities – and I am sure you can think of others:  

Make a financial contribution in the name of the person to whom you want to give a gift.  Choose an organization that provides physical, financial or moral support to people and is special to that person.  For example, if your nephew loves sports, make a donation to a school for sports equipment.

If your friend loves music, buy him or her tickets to a concert, or provide some support for a “starving musician.”   You will be giving to your friend, the musician, and to the future of music all at the same time.
Share your talent as a gift.  My cousin, who is a wonderful cook, gave me a certificate for home-made lasagna and a coconut cake to be used anytime with one week’s notice.  I could entertain my friends and not have to worry about food!

Give the gift of your time with the person you love – whether it’s doing an activity together, helping them with a project they’ve wanted to do, or just sitting and chatting.  
Look around your house at all the things you have, but never use.  Organizations who help others in need are desperate for clothes, furniture, household items, and toys (in good condition, please!).   

Fill shoeboxes with toys for children who won’t be getting any otherwise. Many elderly people want to give gifts, but don’t have the money or energy. Do it for them!
Go to a nursing home, an orphanage, a domestic violence shelter, or a food distribution center and donate your time in the name of the person you want to honor.

Many years ago I was facing a Christmas after my first marriage was over.  Money was short, and I wasn’t able to carry on all the traditions our family had done in the past.  I asked each of my children, “What is the ONE thing that is most important to you this Christmas?”  I expected answers like “a new bicycle,” but my 11-year-old son gave me new insight with his response.  “I want to work at a homeless shelter on Christmas morning.”  If you’re not sure what to give, have a conversation with the person to whom you want to give a gift.  Ask them what they are most concerned about.  You may be surprised at how easy it is to give!

Barbara Hemphill is the Founder of Productive Environment Institute whose passion is helping individuals createa a "productive environment," so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives.  For information about speaking, consulting, or productivity products, go to www.BarbaraHemphill.com

It seems that everywhere we turn, we hear about the struggling economy.  Now, more than ever, we all need to be mindful of our spending.  We are so conditioned by our daily routines that we often put ourselves – and our money – on “automatic pilot.”  This includes our spending habits, and especially how we use our credit cards.  We may take out the card, swipe it, and put it away without thinking about what we’ve done.

October is breast cancer awareness month and while we fight for a cure, we must also take precautions for any medical challenge. We know you can't predict when a medical problem will strike, but you can make it easier for your family and friends if that day comes. A number of documents can help guide your care when you can't, preventing overly aggressive interventions while ensuring that you still get the care you do want. Consumer Reports Health recommends that you have those papers in order before you need them: