I started two days ago but up to now I do not know why I could not access the website of 29 Gifts! Anyway, here is my entry in my journal: Today, I started the 29 Gift-giving Challenge. Although I do not like journalling, I am also taking it as a challenge. One very important thing I did was to share this decision with all my friends in relatives in my e-mail directory as well as in my Messenger account. I was very delighted with their feedback. Those who replied believed it was a good idea/challenge. Some were bold enough to meet the challenge head-on! I am so glad! Here is what I wrote (quite long!): Some years ago, my daughter Pizza gave me a book which interested me but because of the thousand and one involvement I have in our business, in our parish, in our community, not to mention the family and clan activities of both sides, I did not have the opportunity to finish the book. In fact, I was able to read only the first few chapters and had to lay it aside. One of the good things that happened during this lockdown, I was able to finish books I wanted to read but did not have the time. So, I selected the books I always wanted to read and this happened to be the third book I have finished reading this pandemic days!
The title of the book is '29 Gifts' by Cami Walker. Her story goes this way: "One month after her wedding day, thirty-three-year-old Cami Walker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the life she knew changed forever. Cami was soon in and out of L.A.’s emergency rooms with alarming frequency as she battled the neurological condition that left her barely able to walk and put enormous stress on her marriage. Each day brought new negative thoughts: "I’m going to end up in a wheelchair... My life is over. Why did this have to happen to me?"
Then, as a remedy for her condition, Cami received an uncommon prescription from a friend, an African medicine woman named Mbali Creazzo. The prescription was to give away 29 gifts in 29 days. “By giving,” Mbali told her, “you are focusing on what you have to offer others, inviting more abundance into your life.” The gifts, she said, could be anything, but their giving had to be both authentic and mindful. At least one gift needed to be something she felt was scarce in her life. There is one catch though: once you fail to give in one day, you have to start from Day 1 all over again! Also, journaling is a requirement!
Cami was amazed by what unfolded during her month-long journey...The book invites readers to take on the challenge and how the journey could change one's life. The invitation further says, "Join us in the journey to change your world and in turn change the entire world."
After much thought, I decided to take on the challenge starting today. I always believe that if we want to leave a legacy of a better world for our children and grandchildren, we have to do something! What better way than to do an act of kindness by giving away something everyday for 29 days? I am not thinking of something grandiose to give everyday! It can be as grand as a gift, a letter, a P50 donation, a plant or even just a flower, or as simple as a handshake, an acknowledgment, a smile, a wish, a cup of coffee, a phone call, a text, or what have you! Hopefully, this could have a ripple effect not only to my family but also to my friends and acquaintances. Could you just imagine if everyone does a single act of kindness everyday and how this will contribute to a better world, especially in this time of pandemic when there is so much negativity, helplessness and hopelessness?
The 29 Gift-giving Challenge has a website and has grown by leaps and bounds. I invite you to this link to read more about the movement as well as be inspired by how this challenge has inspired them and how their lives changed because of it. Please click Give one thing away, each day, for 29 days - 29Gifts.org I am also ambitious! Just like Cami, I am hoping that since the gift-giving can become a habit, I can continue doing it beyond the 29 days and sana everyday of my remaining life! Let's see!
Will you rise up to the challenge?
All the best. Keep safe and healthy! - thelma
On this very first day, I made a phone call to a long time friend Jose from my first job days whom I have not gotten in touch for almost a year now! We exchanged pleasantries and updated each other. At the end, I promised her I would pray for her niece Jasmin who is sick of cancer. Ended the day very happy that I accepted the 29 Gift-giving Challenge! - thelma
