You just have to wait
Do you have ideas for simple gives?
I've begun to compile a list of simple giving ideas below, and would love your help expanding it. This string can become a good reference for all of us on those days when we hit a "giving wall" and are having problems thinking of something to give. My suggestion for days when you feel a bit uninspired is to KEEP IT SIMPLE. Every give doesn't need to feel monumental. You might even notice that the simple gives feel more powerful than the grand gestures.
Here are a few ideas for simple gives.
PLEASE REPLY TO THIS STRING AND ADD YOUR OWN IDEAS.
*Make a phone call to a friend and tell him or her you care.
*Write a nice note to someone and mail it.
*Buy a chocolate bar and share half with someone else.
*Exchange a smile or two with strangers.
*Open a door for someone.
*Pay for the coffee, meal or bridge toll of the person in line behind you.
*Put a little change in someone's parking meter.
*Give your left over dinner to someone living on the street as you leave the cafe.
*Send out some positive thoughts and prayers to others.
*Buy an extra sandwich at lunch and give it to someone on the street who is hungry.
*Decorate a Kindness Rock and give it away. Learn more about this idea here.
*Frame a meaningful photo and give it to a friend or family member.
*Make a greeting card and give it to someone you love.
*Email a friend a list of 29 things you love about him or her.
*Give a few sincere compliments to people throughout the day.
*Donate to a cause you care about online.
*Invite a couple friends to come over to your place for a Improv Potluck. Each person brings something they've got in their fridge, freezer or cupboards. No trips to the store allowed!
*Post some items on freecycle.org and pass the things you're not using anymore on to someone who will.
*Take your dog (or your neighbor's dog) for a nice walk.
*Give your cat some extra pets.
*Invite your neighbor over for tea or coffee.
*Do the dishes for your family (or some other small chore around the house).
*Read a story to your child.
Remember that the 29-Day Giving Challenge is intended to be a sacred ritual. It is your opportunity to cultivate a mindful practice of stepping outside your own story for a few seconds each day.
So what happens if you get through the day and realize you haven't given mindfully all day long? Be gentle with yourself and remember that this ritual is about progress, not perfection. Just do what my friend Eve did on a day like this. Sit down with your journal or at your blog and reflect on your day. Review the entire day mindfully and find the times you unconsciously gave so you can bring it into your consciousness. The truth is there is never a day that you don't give. There are only days that you don't acknowledge and remember you did.
If you have ideas for simple gives that you'd like to share with us, please don't be shy. Reply to this string and pass on some inspiration to your 29Giver friends.
Here are a few ideas for simple gives.
PLEASE REPLY TO THIS STRING AND ADD YOUR OWN IDEAS.
*Make a phone call to a friend and tell him or her you care.
*Write a nice note to someone and mail it.
*Buy a chocolate bar and share half with someone else.
*Exchange a smile or two with strangers.
*Open a door for someone.
*Pay for the coffee, meal or bridge toll of the person in line behind you.
*Put a little change in someone's parking meter.
*Give your left over dinner to someone living on the street as you leave the cafe.
*Send out some positive thoughts and prayers to others.
*Buy an extra sandwich at lunch and give it to someone on the street who is hungry.
*Decorate a Kindness Rock and give it away. Learn more about this idea here.
*Frame a meaningful photo and give it to a friend or family member.
*Make a greeting card and give it to someone you love.
*Email a friend a list of 29 things you love about him or her.
*Give a few sincere compliments to people throughout the day.
*Donate to a cause you care about online.
*Invite a couple friends to come over to your place for a Improv Potluck. Each person brings something they've got in their fridge, freezer or cupboards. No trips to the store allowed!
*Post some items on freecycle.org and pass the things you're not using anymore on to someone who will.
*Take your dog (or your neighbor's dog) for a nice walk.
*Give your cat some extra pets.
*Invite your neighbor over for tea or coffee.
*Do the dishes for your family (or some other small chore around the house).
*Read a story to your child.
Remember that the 29-Day Giving Challenge is intended to be a sacred ritual. It is your opportunity to cultivate a mindful practice of stepping outside your own story for a few seconds each day.
So what happens if you get through the day and realize you haven't given mindfully all day long? Be gentle with yourself and remember that this ritual is about progress, not perfection. Just do what my friend Eve did on a day like this. Sit down with your journal or at your blog and reflect on your day. Review the entire day mindfully and find the times you unconsciously gave so you can bring it into your consciousness. The truth is there is never a day that you don't give. There are only days that you don't acknowledge and remember you did.
If you have ideas for simple gives that you'd like to share with us, please don't be shy. Reply to this string and pass on some inspiration to your 29Giver friends.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on -
5. Help an elderly person or mom with kids load their groceries in the car.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on
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6. Shake hands with and thank every soldier in uniform you see and their family for putting their lives on hold to defend our freedom and security, as well as those in other countries living under dictator rule. Just let them know their sacrifices are appreciated. So little means so very much. We also pay their tabs when we see them in airport restaurants.
My nephew is an Army Captain in Afghanistan. Prayers for the safe return of our soldiers is also appreciated.
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Permalink Reply by Sharon D-29 Gifts Ambassador on -
I absolutely make an effort to speak to and thank service people, and often go out of my way to get to them. I truly appreciate their sacrifices!
-s
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on
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7. Share this great 'get fit' site with everyone you know - Ana Caban a fitness expert and celebrity who has a new site, La Buena Life. She shares great advice and offers cool giveaways every Thursday, as well as a free stay in Mexico (minus air). Th
I won last week's giveaway - an eco-dog bone recycled from plastic. My dog, Jack, thanks you, Ana!
http://labuenalife.ning.com/
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Permalink Reply by Ana Caban on -
Wow! I just saw this Mary. Thanks a million!
Have a great day.
Ana :)
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Permalink Reply by Sharon D-29 Gifts Ambassador on
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I do the same with books at Paperbackswap.com!
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on
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YAY! I just added that one to my Favorites Bar. Thanks for sharing, Sharon.
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Permalink Reply by Cindy on -
Hey Sharon - I'm on paperbackswap.com too!!
We should connect there!
Cindy
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Permalink Reply by Sharon D-29 Gifts Ambassador on
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I do not know how!?
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Permalink Reply by Rhiannon ODonnabhain on -
When you leave a restaurant, tell the receptionist what wonderful service your wait-person provided and mention them by name. You’ll get an immediate gift in return – a very warm feeling in your heart.
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Permalink Reply by Ricky Buchanan on
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This list really helped me, thank you! It also sparked some ideas:
- Use your computer or a pen and paper to make up a "Certificate Of Appreciation" or similar for somebody who helps you. Give it when they're feeling down or unappreciated.
- Take the time to have a chat with an elderly or lonesome neighbour, especially one who's housebound.
- Offer to mind a friend's kids for an hour, or an afternoon, while they have some time for themselves. Especially valuable for single parents!
r
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