Giving in Down Times and 29 Gifting Outside the Box Ideas Sometimes, when the news all seems to be bad, when the bank account is running low, when our emotional stores are feeling empty, it is more difficult to feel generous. We find ourselves in a state of scarcity, clutching desperately to what we have, holding it closer and struggling with the concept of giving anything away. In the present economy, many people are stuck in this cycle of scarcity and fear. These are the times when giving can be most important, and can have the greatest positive influence on our state of mind.
By giving of ourselves when we feel least equipped to do so, we create an attitude of abundance that resonates around us. Through our generosity, we are made aware of others' gratitude; mindful giving causes us to be more aware of our own value. This awareness, in turn, bolsters our emotional bank account so we are more likely to continue to feel connected to the bigger picture that exists beyond our own personal circumstances.
The most important thing to remember is that it makes no difference what our esteemable acts are. Whether we drop a coin in a stranger's expired parking meter, or give a lavish gift to a loved one, the potential is the same. It is the thoughtfulness that causes the psychic shift that allows us to recognize that we live abundant lives even in the toughest of times. It is in that moment of intention that we recognize our connection to one another and to the divine spark that allows us to share our gifts. We generate a creative energy from which the Universe creates everything from nothing.
Remember during December we are encouraging you to Gift Outside the Box. Try to give without spending money. Here are some low- or no-cost giving ideas. Please comment to add your ideas.
1. Get up early and share a cup of coffee with your husband or wife.
2. Volunteer at the library, or donate some books you've already read.
3. Give away clothes you no longer wear.
4. Go for a "trashwalk" and pick up all the garbage you see along the way.
5. Next time you're in heavy traffic, stop and let someone in front of you.
6. Call a friend or family member you haven't talked to lately.
7. Offer to help a coworker with part of their work.
8. Drop a coin in an expired parking meter.
9. Buy a sandwich or cup of coffee for the person in line behind you at the cafe.
10. Next time you're at the store and see a donation box on the counter, donate your change.
11. Read a book with a child or elderly person.
12. Paint or draw on rocks and give away your works of art.
13. Cook or bake something yummy and share it with friends and family.
14. Make a gratitude jar. Put quotes and images that inspire you into a jar, paint or decorate it.
15. Say something kind and uplifting to a friend or family member.
16. Smile and say hello to a stranger.
17. Use old holiday cards to make tree ornaments.
18. Take inspiring photos of your gifts and share them on social media with the tag #29gifts
19. Send texts to friends telling them why you love them.
20. Listen to a friend who needs to be heard.
21. Make bookmarks and give them to your library. Use our free Gift Tags in the Documents section and add ribbon or other adornments.
22. Give the GIFT OF TIME... Life is so hectic. Finding a few minutes to read to your child or visit someone who is ill or in a nursing home can make a world of difference. A little time goes a long way.
23. Give AFFECTION. Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
24. Give LAUGHTER. Share funny pictures, articles, stories and greetings.
25. Give PRAYER. Send prayers and healing energy out into the world and good things come back to you. Visit our Prayer Cafe Discussion Board.
26. Give FORGIVENESS to someone you resent.
27. MEDITATE and send good energy to all beings everywhere.
28. Give INSPIRATION by finding ways to be of service to someone less fortunate.
29. Give JOY by sharing positive stories here at www.29gifts.org.
Do you have ideas for simple, Outside the Box Gifts? Pleases comment and share them with us now.
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[Via Follr.com] Give one thing away each day for 29 days. Share your stories about how it impacts your life to focus on giving. Join the 29-Day Giving Challenge community today. Why? Because to see the world change, we have to do something to change the world. Plus, the best way to attract abundance into your life is to be in a perpetual state of giving and gratitude. Be an important part of the global giving movement that inspires more generosity on our planet.
Cami, as always, you are spot on about the impacts of thoughtfulness and consideration. Thank you for continuing to inspire me to give of myself, my time, and my talents. :)
