Days 18 to 24: Too Busy to Write the Journal!

I've fallen by the wayside in writing this journal, which is a shame, because I know I'm going to forget the small gifts that I gave (and received) along the way.

I have kept giving as my focus though. I've given quite a lot (more than I intended) in charitable donations, acting more on impulse than I normally do. From small amounts - a pound in a collection tin - to larger amounts, £50 towards the Bethlehem appeal from Medical Aid for Palestinians. I've tried to give to things where I felt my money could make a difference.

I've also given in small ways like buying an early copy of an e-book written by a blogger, with the proceeds going to charit. That meant I could demonstrate support and encouragement, help promote it, and also let her know about a technical glitch. I think the encouragement and support probably meant the most actually.

I've spoken to the project in South Africa about the possibility of doing some voluntary writing for them, and they were very enthusiastic. I feel I can gift my writing skills to them in a way that'll help them tell their story and get more donors and supporters, which can only be a good thing.

I've started the training for volunteer work in my local community. Although this is a gift of my time it feels like a selfish act because it's a way for me to meet new people and make some friends locally. I don't think that gets in the way of the act of giving though!

I've done some more garden clearance despite the frost and ice, and it feels good to be giving my time, attention and love to the ground. It's part of the green giving dimension.

My happiest simplest form of giving is feeding the birds. It's not a cheap form of giving but it's so rewarding to watch them demolish the food in the cold weather. It's an act of giving that makes me feel deeply peaceful and contented.

I'm going to continue this challenge for sure after I finish the first round. I need to find a way to keep the recording of the small acts going though, because that's where the most important learning lies.