Many of the gifts given this week have surprised me, maybe as much as they have surprised the recipients. I went into this week without a plan; I had no idea what I would give, which is way out of my comfort zone. Some days I didn't know the gift or the recipient until it appeared before me. Chocolates for a helpful sales clerk, a token of friendship sent to a friend, and providing support were three of my favorite gifts this week. They were my favorites, I think, because they were the most spontaneous, and (I believe) they may have made a significant difference in the lives of the receivers.
Giving this week has been thought-provoking. By giving so consciously, I've noticed how frequently I give unconsciously. I also recognize more where I don't give when I easily could. Now, I am looking for ways to give all day long. As it turns out, I've given more than one gift per day, because I haven't counted putting extra money in the meter for the next person or adding that dollar to your bill at the check out line for a donation, but these are things I'm doing more of. I find myself more often in a space of abundance rather than scarcity - most of my scarcity thinking centers around time, and I've managed (not struggled) to make time to give this week. Even on the day that I woke up feeling like I just didn't have the energy to give anything else, I was given a wonderful opportunity to give, and that gave me energy. It goes without saying that this has been uplifting for me, and I think, I hope, it's been uplifting for some other people too.
Not surprisingly, I've frequently questioned if I'm doing this "right." I've been journaling as a part of this process, reflecting on emotions that come up before and after giving, writing out some affirmations, and (inconsistently) meditating on my intention. I know that I can still put more into this experiment, and thus, give more and get more out of it. I'm looking forward to this next week. I'm going in without a plan, again, and trusting that the opportunities to give will present themselves.
4 comments:
I need to borrow the book. Well into month three as the recipient of so many generous gift of kindness has left me feeling enormously unworthy. My friends, Aunt and Uncles, neighbors, parents and husband have blessed me with gifts in the form of help, food, errand running, child watching...oh you name it, it's been given.
Instead of feeling grateful, I'm overcome with the feeling that I'm so undeserving of these gifts. How can I ever re-pay them?
Im anxious to read how the next 20 day or so play out.
(And let me know when you're ready to share...I'll send you a self-addressed stamped envelope!) :-)
I tried to get the book today at our Library, no luck, but they ordered it for me.
Jessica and Lisa....you may borrow mine, which arrived yesterday. Thanks to Kellie:)
Thank you, thank you, thank you Kellie. I just received my nice gift in the mail yesterday, along with a beautiful note and such kind words. I'm liking this book and idea. Made me feel warm and fuzzy, and felt like I should do something for someone, too, to pay it forward.
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