Day 6 and cool things are happening. Yesterday I called my mother-in-law by mistake. That's actually just fine considering I've had her on my mind for a few days. I had left a message with her for her birthday, but never called back when I knew she'd be home. I went to call my mom but heard Mom #2's voice instead. We had a really nice chat and it was sort of a gift for both of us.
Today I went to pick up my mom from work. Before I left I thought how fun would it be to stop and buy her a flower. How long has it been since someone gave her something like that? Well, I couldn't find any singles anywhere and a bouquet didn't feel right. So I thought maybe this isn't the gift I'm supposed to give today. My son is staying at her place tonight and I thought to ask if she'd like me to bring a coffee cake or something for tomorrow's breakfast. She said sure. Now I'm thinking, hey! I'm still getting to give to Mom and my son. Not just the coffee cake, but the time they're spending together is priceless. (I'm thrilled that he's 15 and still loves hanging out with Grandma.)
Here's the cool part. Having called my mother-in-law, I realized how good it feels to still have a great relationship with her and my father-in-law. Even though their son and I are divorced, they still love me and it's always been mutual. That phone call was just as much of a gift to me as it was to her. I didn't expect that. I also didn't expect today to find $60 that I had tucked into a jewelry box a few weeks ago and forgotten about. Giving with an open heart really does open it up for blessings to come back your way. Forever grateful and humbled to be on both ends of this giving experience.
Day 3 Yesterday I sent sent a little Snoopy with hearts and a text letting her know I was thinking about her and I love and miss her. It had been a while since we had been in touch and I told her she was on my mind. To my surprise she said that was exactly what she needed! Things hadn't been going so great for her and this was perfect timing. Knowing I made her day felt like a gift coming right back to me. I also got a nice unexpected video text from someone I've been helping with office work. She let me know how much it was already helping her and freeing up her time! Today at the grocery, I went to grab the box of raspberries from the cart to put on the belt and POOF! Raspberries everywhere. I had grabbed it just right that it popped open on me. Uggh... The man behind me in line just stood there. I smiled and said "So this is how my day is going". Trying to laugh it off. I finish putting everything else on the belt, move my cart and start cleaning up what ended up on the floor. I couldn't help but notice the man behind me didn't even offer to help. I'm a bit annoyed at this for a few minutes. After I pay and get all bagged up, I pass him and his wife on my way out. Suddenly, I remember the story in the back of the 29 Gifts book about the girl who almost flipped off a driver that cut her off, but she flipped him a smile and a peace sign instead. I decided my gift for the day is understanding. Maybe he thought he'd be in my way more than helping. Maybe he has a bad back or legs and can't really bend over. So I released my annoyance, smiled and gave off a little extra love to him and his wife. I also decided to leave my quarter in the grocery cart lock for the next person who uses the cart. (If you've ever shopped at Aldi, you know what I mean.) Simple gifts, but it still feels good.
Hi, everyone! I joined right after reading the book but I kept putting off starting. I don't know why. I guess I thought I need everything to be in place, new journal, mediate, etc... But I decided to just start. I actually made yesterday my Day 1 and I'm really excited. My mom had called and she was a little unsettled about something weird happening. She wanted to make sure I was ok. After we chatted I decided that after I was done working I'd take her out to dinner. We had a great time and even went back to her place for dessert. Then it hit me. I didn't need to start the day off with a specific ritual. I can just decide to quit procrastinating and make today Day 1. Today I mailed off a thank you note to some friends that played our house concert for my birthday. Maybe the reason I hesitated to start was a nagging thought of "What if I can't think of something to give or have the chance to give?" I have done 100 Happy Days before (A few times, now.) and turned it into a Grateful Days thing. It made me stop and realize that no matter what, there is something to be grateful or happy about in each day. I realized the same thing while reading this book, there is always something to give, there is always a chance to give it. Here's to 27 more gifts to give!
Great start. Procrastination and perfectionism are good things to give up. Thanks for sharing your insights. Use some of our free Gift Tags on the documents page.
