29 Gifts…Interrupted

You may recall, I started the 29 Day Gift Challenge in October. I was fervent in my mission…so much that I bought Cami Walker's book and consumed it cover to cover. As I closed the book, my gift-giving came to a halt. Not because I wasn't seeing results. Nor because I was out of ideas. No. I was actually in a pretty steady groove. But, I had not been doing the process ENTIRELY correct…and so I am starting over…today.

During my first week of giving, I received the following…OUT OF THE BLUE…for free:

a drink at Starbucks

a Nike running shirt

a Trish McEvoy lip liner pencil

2 nail polishes

a Henri Bendel lavender candle

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Now, I am in NO way suggesting you approach this challenge JUST TO RECEIVE. However, I promise you will be amazed by what happens when you dedicate yourself to this powerful 29-day process. I am still startled. It was as if each person felt compelled to give me something…graciously. And I was more than happy to receive it…gratefully. When we give, we open up space within ourselves to receive. It is a wonderfully natural reciprocal cycle.

So…why the re-start?

Two reasons.

I overlooked keeping a journal…daily. Since I already journal a couple times each week, I thought I would keep up…no problem. But a few days slipped by me, and to really shift energy, it is best to release what I have done and start over. This is common feng shui advice as well. If you skip a day in a ritual or adjustment, you must start over. When you desire manifesting change, you are dedicated to any process that will bring it to fruition. Without skipping a day.

I also was not beginning my days with a positive affirmation. I am a BIG believer in "What you think about, you bring about" so it makes perfect sense the day should begin with a simple meditation. A few of Cami's suggestions are "Today I give with joy" or "Today I give with abundance."

If you are considering the challenge OR are ready to start giving right now, here are a few more suggestions:

1> Start with gratitude: Write down what you are thankful for…and make a point to share at least one item on your list.

2> Keep it simple: Small gestures make the biggest impact. Smile at a stranger, offer a sincere compliment, or buy someone's coffee or lunch FOR NO REASON.

3> Give up expectations: Let go of judgments about how your gift will be used. Once you've given, your gift will take care of itself.

4> Receive graciously: Giving without receiving will deplete your energy. Remember to be receptive to what others are eager to share.

5> Wing it: Resist the urge to plan all 29 gifts in one sitting. Stay open to the gift-giving opportunities that occur naturally throughout the day.

6> Challenge yourself: What are you most hesitant to give? Ask yourself why…and then give it.

Open yourself to be surprised. By giving, we come from a place of abundance…and that alone is revitalizing. Our gifts, no matter how small, will be multiplied exponentially. And if you find yourself in doubt, remember Reverend Desmond Tutu's saying, "My humanity is inextricably bound up in yours." It all comes full circle…which is certainly grand!