I recently re-read a book called, 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life, by Cami Walker. It is about a woman in her thirties who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She endures much hardship living with this illness and faces many physical, emotional and mental challenges.
A friend of hers gave her an uncommon prescription: Gave away 29 gifts in 29 days. “By giving,” Mbali, her friend told her, “you are focusing on what you have to offer to others, inviting more abundance into your life.” She then started a worldwide giving movement.
Feeling appreciated is one of the strongest human desires. Giving is one of the easiest things we can do. It takes but a moment to give our attention to another.
Giving opens up more possibilities for you and it makes room for you to receive more. Opening ourselves to different situations and individuals brings us many new perspectives and a variety of adventures! The act of giving opens up space for us to receive. We can all use a little help and sending out your giving energy may bring you some unexpected gifts as well.
Giving also teaches you to be more thankful. Giving to others more needy helps us focus on what we have rather than what is missing. Find what we are thankful for and rejoice in it!
Smile at everyone you see today. Hug the people you care about. Hug a stranger (but ask first). Write a heartfelt note of gratitude to someone.
“The kindest thing you can do for the people around you is to become a happy, joyous person.” – Brian Tracy
Have a great and giving month!
CC DeGraff, Executive Director