"Without love in the heart, life is like a sapless tree in a barren desert~ Tirukkural 78"
Giving Away Something You Never Thought You Could/Would
I hope I'm putting this in the right place, but if not please forgive me. OK, I received the email from 29gifts in my inbox that was talking about giving away one thing you didn't think you could part with. Well I have done the challenge a few times, butpretty much just ignored that part. Well, for some reason (even though I am not in an "official round" of giving) I felt inspired to do that NOW.
The minute I asked myself "what shall I give?" I knew what the answer would be, and I did not want it to be that thing! What was it? Before I get to that I have to say this. I learned the practice of saving change from my, now late dad. I just love watching a jar fill up over time then "cashing it in." In recent years I've used the money for my Operation Smiley Face project and even to help pay for holiday gifts for my family. Generally, I cash it out twice a year, once in June, then again around Christmas. The jar I use is not very large but it can easily collect around $100 or so in change, not to mention the folded up bills that I put it from time to time.
ANYWAY, I LOVE my jar and the money in it and would never dream of giving that away to anyone. That is, until NOW. I decided to do just that! In trying to decide whom I would give it to I recalled the occasion when my father allowed each of us kids to keep all the money from the coins we individually wrapped from his jars and jars filled with coins. More than the money what I remember is the way it made me feel. Since my son's birthday was the 28th of Decemeber I decided to give it to him! He didn't have to earn it in any way either. It was important to me that it be a "free gift" (no strings attached).
He was stunned that I gave it to him, and he said that what made it so special was the fact that I had been collecting the coins for several months. So to give it to him was really specaial. Awwww! The other thing is I couldn't beleive how I FELT giving it. Not only did I do it, but I didn't feel any regret, anxiety fear or anything. I was happy to do it, and it wasn't the "big deal" I thought it would be. Now I feel like I can give just about anything. It was very empowering. I look forward to continually challenging myself by giving other things that I never thought I would/could give away. We'll see how that goes! :)
The minute I asked myself "what shall I give?" I knew what the answer would be, and I did not want it to be that thing! What was it? Before I get to that I have to say this. I learned the practice of saving change from my, now late dad. I just love watching a jar fill up over time then "cashing it in." In recent years I've used the money for my Operation Smiley Face project and even to help pay for holiday gifts for my family. Generally, I cash it out twice a year, once in June, then again around Christmas. The jar I use is not very large but it can easily collect around $100 or so in change, not to mention the folded up bills that I put it from time to time.
ANYWAY, I LOVE my jar and the money in it and would never dream of giving that away to anyone. That is, until NOW. I decided to do just that! In trying to decide whom I would give it to I recalled the occasion when my father allowed each of us kids to keep all the money from the coins we individually wrapped from his jars and jars filled with coins. More than the money what I remember is the way it made me feel. Since my son's birthday was the 28th of Decemeber I decided to give it to him! He didn't have to earn it in any way either. It was important to me that it be a "free gift" (no strings attached).
He was stunned that I gave it to him, and he said that what made it so special was the fact that I had been collecting the coins for several months. So to give it to him was really specaial. Awwww! The other thing is I couldn't beleive how I FELT giving it. Not only did I do it, but I didn't feel any regret, anxiety fear or anything. I was happy to do it, and it wasn't the "big deal" I thought it would be. Now I feel like I can give just about anything. It was very empowering. I look forward to continually challenging myself by giving other things that I never thought I would/could give away. We'll see how that goes! :)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Deb~ Community Manager on -
What a fabulous thing for you to do Lubabat~ It does feel good doesn't it? Love yah kiddo....
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Permalink Reply by Lubabat Scotland on -
Thank you Sweetie. YES, it feels great! Even though I consider myself a "regular giver" I realize that there is always more to give and someone to give to, BUT it is NOT always easy! Hopefully, the more I do it the easier it becomes, and one day I'll be able to give away large amounts of money with ease. and without fear. That would be a real achievement for me. :)
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on -
I KNOW THAT FEELING! And it's GREAT.
I have a container we save cash in, too. I have given the credit receipt from the grocery store's coin machine to those who looked like they needed a helping hand. My most fun give was to two young boys who were pooling their meager change together to save for one skate board. They were behind me and I could hear them talking about how much more they needed to save for the one board - a lot more than what they had. I had a particularly big credit that day, and was so excited to turn around, hand it to them, and say, "Have fun on your new skateboards." I can still see their stunned faces - probably something like your son's!
Happy New Year, chica! Wonderful gift!
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Permalink Reply by Lubabat Scotland on
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mary that is an awesome story! Wish I could have seen those boy's faces. Did they say anything, or were they speechless?
Oh and you reminded me to say that my son was especially excited to receive that gift at that moment because he was going nuts trying to figure out how to get the additional funds he needed for a game he's wanted for several months now! The great thing is that the amount in the jar covered the entire cost of the game with change to spare. That allowed him to keep the money he already had. :)
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on
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The boys were hilarious! They were 8 or 9 years old. Totally speechless, with jaws dropped to the floor. I smiled and walked out to my car. They came running out after me in the parking lot with their mom trailing behind, shouting, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The mom and I hugged and everyone went on their merry way.
Ahhhh, those tiny moments in time are some of the best memories of our lives.
Here's to giving when it's least expected!
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Permalink Reply by Deb~ Community Manager on
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That was a good one Mary!
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Permalink Reply by Ana on -
Hi Lubabat, lovely story thanks for sharing. I was wondering if you got a small present from me last year around your birthday time? I was not sure if you have the same address of 2 years ago, but sent it to that address anyway ( because I didn't have any other) Love and Light and a Thousand Smiles, Ana
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Permalink Reply by Deb~ Community Manager on
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Bless you Lubabat~ We miss you very much but spread many smiles in your honor~ xoxo
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