What "Counts" as a gift?

The question of the week seems to be, “DOES IT COUNT?”

I keep seeing statements like these in your stories:

“Today I gave some suggestions to a co-worker, but I’m not sure that counts.”

“I gave some time to my husband by helping him with a project, but that doesn't count.”

“I gave my daughter lots of attention today, but I do that a lot, so I’m not going to count that as a gift.”

My suggestion for this week is to BEGIN COUNTING EVERY GIFT. This means acknowledging yourself each time your reach out to another being with an open heart.

Each time you mindfully offer something to another individual, it counts. Giving someone a kind word, time or assistance are just as impactful as giving something material. Gifts you give to family members and friends count as much as gifts to strangers.

The 29-Day Giving Challenge is a sacred ritual intended to help you learn to give more consciously. NOT A DAY GOES BY that you DON’T give a gift. There are only days when you don’t ACKNOWLEDGE your gifts.

So today, count them all!


People also often asked me if it “counts” to give a gift to yourself. I always say, “Yes!” I’ve been experimenting recently with giving one gift to myself and one to someone else each day. When I’m kind to myself it makes it easier to be kind to others.

One of my friends recently told me that the Giving Challenge has “increased the value of her thoughts.” I’ve noticed the same thing. My thinking is so much more positive after almost two months of daily giving. I find that I don’t get caught up in the old downward spiral thinking that used to leave me paralyzed and puzzled on the couch eating potato chips.

My suggestions are: Notice if you are aware of any shifts in your own thinking... and don’t forget to give a little bit to yourself as well.