This is the first weekend that I haven't spent with my face stuck in my International Economics textbook -- Thursday is my final exam, whew! This class was a tough one but I certainly learned alot and know what the NPR guy is talking about when he mentions the IMF. So, I'm spending the weekend refreshing my soul, reading, journaling, enjoying the peace of my home and a couple of cats. I read the most interesting article in November edition of Body & Soul, The Giving Soul.
The story is about a woman who learned soon after she married her dream guy that she was suffering from MS; she sunk into depression (understandably so) and didn't know how to get out of it. For some reason she reached out to a neighbor who suggested that she spend 29 days giving away 29 things. Kind of a 'pay it forward' thing . . . she did, and felt stronger -- from the inside. Her illness still has a hold on her but she is now able to compensate for what the illness is doing to her body much better by being inwardly stronger. I often wonder if that's what my father did to keep going after receiving his Parkinson's diagnoses.
I don't have MS or Parkinson's or any dibilatating illness, but I do believe that I need some inner strength to help move me along this journey that God has placed me on. So, I'm going to take the 29 day challenge, want to come along?
From the magazine, here's 6 secrets to giving:
1. Start with gratitude
Write down what you're most thankful for and make a point to share at least one item from your list.
2. Keep it simple
Small gestures often make the biggest impact. Smile at a stranger, offer a coworker a sincere compliment, or buy someone lunch for no reason.
3. Give up expectations
Let go of judgments about how your gift will be put to use. Once you've given it, your gift will take care of itself.
4. Receive graciously
Giving without receiving will deplete your energy. Remember to be receptive to what others are eager to share.
5. Wing it
Resist the urge to plan all 29 gifts in one sitting. Stay open to the gift-giving opportunities that occur naturally throughout any given day.
6. Challenge yourself
What are you hesitant to give? Your time? Unconditional love? Ask yourself why and try to let those hang-ups go.
So, here I go ------------------
Luna and I are back on the road and kids still ask the darnedest questions!
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I’ve been AWOL from the blog for a long while now. That’s owed to a number
of things, including some health issues (which have largely resolved). I
have ...
1 year ago
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Day 1 (28 to go)
I offered a young father a way to earn some money by painting my kitchen (besides, he'd do a much better job than I).
Day 2 (27 to go)
Today I gave my time to the 5th & 6th Graders at church to teach God's message -- or was is for me to learn God's message from them? Still counts.
Day 3 (26 to go)
Tonight I gave my time to church to introduce our computer lab to fellow Sunday School teachers, parents and students. I also took Manny & CeCe with me so Carrie could get her homework done. It's feeling good already!
Day 4 (25 to go) Today I went through the clothes that I no longer like (or can fit into) and gave them to Carrie.
Day 5 (24 to go)
Tonight I picked up CeCe and helped her with her homework. It felt so good to curl up with her and read together!
Day 6 (23 to go)
Today as I was waiting for my meds I helped a young father with his baby while he was trying to get the face mask on his older son. There were so many little kids coming into the clinic with coughs. None of them liked the mask even though it had Mickey Mouse on it. Anyway, I felt real good helping him out and am anxious to rock LP.
Ok, Ok, I fell off the wagon! But I began to realize that I wasn't doing anything different than a normal day -- I am a GIVING person.
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