I read a great book last month…29 Gifts by Cami Walker.
I picked it up during the summer after I saw it reviewed in a magazine. It sat on my bookshelf for months before I finally cracked it open, but once I did I couldn’t put it down!
Here is a description from Amazon:
“Just a month after her wedding, 31-year-old Walker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; two years later, she was bitter, isolated, and addicted to both pain medication and self-pity. In need of help beyond drug detox, Cami takes the advice of a South African healer: give away something every day, for 29 days. Walker soon learns that being mindful of giving also means being open to gifts from others, and that gratefulness and mutual generosity is the key to a better, more rewarding life.”
I think it is amazing that Cami Walker went from the lowest of lows…deep in the throes of her multiple sclerosis, struggling in her life in seemingly every way…to turning it all around, both physically and mentally. Now she’s created an online community of committed givers, written a New York Times bestselling book, and, as I read on the 29 Gifts community, has started working on a screenplay for a 29 Gifts film.
Impressive!
I was so impressed, in fact, that I decided I want to try the giving thing myself. I gave a gift on some days but missed others, and I realized that I hadn’t really made the conscious and steadfast commitment to give a mindful gift each and every day. So, on Monday I did just that…and gave my first gift!
On Day 1, Monday, which was Valentine’s Day, I bought one individually wrapped Valentine truffle each for Mom, Dad, my great friend Annie and my boss.
On Day 2, Tuesday, I spent the day thinking about and sending love and thoughts to my little brother who lost one of his best friends, and the family who lost their son so tragically.
On Day 3, Wednesday, Mom left her toothpaste in my basket as we were splitting up our purchases at Target. Instead of handing it to the cashier to tack onto her bill, I bought it myself.
Today, Day 4, I made some photocopies for the quilting class at Mom’s shop this weekend.
I’m planning on recapping my give each day here on the blog, just as a little side note…not to brag, of course, but rather to keep myself mindful and consistent in sending this positive energy into the universe.
Is giving a gift every day for 29 days something you would try?
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