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My first day - did I give or not? What counts?
Well, yesterday was my first day, I signed up and I gave. What did I give?
I gave some books to the book box at work. We've set up a communal book box, where you can put in books that you've read and take out books that other people have donated. Good for our pockets and the planet! But then I wasn't sure if that counted as giving - I wasn't giving to anyone in particular, and I was getting something out of it - and clearing some clutter! So does it count, or not?
And in the chemist I bought some stuff for my husband that he's been talking about getting for a couple of weeks and not getting round to. So, again, not really a gift, but he was grateful.
I'm feeling a bit nervous today, about giving. I know that's ridiculous, but I have no plans for giving and I'm worried about making a fool of myself. I could never give to a stranger, so I'm thinking about friends and colleagues.
Why could I never give to a stranger? Because they might think I was weird? Probably. That's so English of me, isn't it? Maybe that's what I need to build up to...
I gave some books to the book box at work. We've set up a communal book box, where you can put in books that you've read and take out books that other people have donated. Good for our pockets and the planet! But then I wasn't sure if that counted as giving - I wasn't giving to anyone in particular, and I was getting something out of it - and clearing some clutter! So does it count, or not?
And in the chemist I bought some stuff for my husband that he's been talking about getting for a couple of weeks and not getting round to. So, again, not really a gift, but he was grateful.
I'm feeling a bit nervous today, about giving. I know that's ridiculous, but I have no plans for giving and I'm worried about making a fool of myself. I could never give to a stranger, so I'm thinking about friends and colleagues.
Why could I never give to a stranger? Because they might think I was weird? Probably. That's so English of me, isn't it? Maybe that's what I need to build up to...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Bourgoyne on -
Of course your book donations were a give. I do think you will get so much out of giving to strangers though! I was worried too that they'd think I was weird. And you know what? Some of them might have thought so...but as "silly" as I felt, I also was like "Hah! I did it!"..and I hope they go away really thinking about the randomness of kindness and giving. This challenge isn't about big gives, but little ones..and if you can stretch yourself, that feeling you have afterwards isn't weird, it's powerful. Have a blast..there are no rules. You are off to a good start already, as you are simply and powerfully already thinking in this vein. Can't wait to read all your blog entries. Have fun!
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Permalink Reply by Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder on -
"Does it count?" is the most common question I hear people asking. My answer: It all counts. Any time you mindfully offer a gift, it counts. It doesn't matter what the gift is, who you offer it to or even if it is accepted. You're off to a great start. I'm going to send you a private message to help you get started telling your giving stories in your blog! Welcome to the fun!!!
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Permalink Reply by Laura Parker on -
Hi Sarah, As far as I'm concerned it all counts. There are no rules that say you have to get nothing out of it in order for it to count. Also, I think it's so great that you are noticing the nervous feeling. I get that too, and it has stopped me from giving without my even realizing it, until I joined the 29-day giving challenge. I know exactly what you mean about the worry that someone would think you are wierd for giving. That has stopped me from giving too. There is something vulnerable and exposing and risky about giving. Now, I'm kind of enjoying that challenge because I can feel that it is helping me to grow in ways that I want to grow. I really do want to be more generous. I really do want to be less worried about what other people think, etc...
I look forward to hearing more from you!
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Permalink Reply by Deb~ Community Manager on -
This answers many questions I am asked daily.. Thanks Cami...
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