New Insights: Days Seven, Eight and Nine...

First off I want to acknowledge and thank all those who take the time and have the courage, to share their experiences here for all to see. I am constantly moved, inspired, humored and grateful to read about the wonderful messages of love, laughter and hope being spread throughout the world as as result of this challenge.

During the past few days, I have seemed to be really present to the opportunities I have to give spontaneously and observing myself hold back for lack of a better word. A great example of this was yesterday as I went to get a co-worker a tea. It was a miserable morning, damp and cold. The type of morning that you prefer to be inside. Anyways, as I made my way back to the office, I passed two young ladies on the sidewalk who were soliciting support for UNICEF and Green Peace. I had seen them on my way by the first time and they seemed to be moving about just to keep warm. As I got nearer to them, I smiled, silently acknowledging their commitment to be out in this weather doing what they were doing. Then one spoke up seeing that I had two cups in my hand and said "why thank you, but you didn't really have too" and then laughed. Without thought I quickly replied "you wish" to which their response was to laugh again, as did I.

Now after I said that I wish I hadn't. It was not like I said it to be mean but rather to be funny and quick witted as she had been. With more thought, I wished that I had turned around, marched back up to them and offered them what I had. Mmmh, I wonder how many times I walk past opportunities like that? Possibly because I wonder how I will look? How will I come across? Will they think I am weird, strange or ?

From that encounter and my subsequent reflection of such, I concluded, that now that I am aware of such, I will be on the lookout for those opportunities. And I assure you that I won't let thinking about how I look or whether or not they'll accept my offer stop my from taking action. After all, action is what must accompany intention for something to exist in reality. All that I can do is to give and the receiving part is their choice.

As for my gifts for days, seven, eight and nine...

With my wife still feeling ill on Monday morning, I arranged my work schedule to allow me to stay home with her and the children all day, supporting her in getting done all that she had planned to do the previous day.

Day eight had me purchase a coffee for a friend and provide a listening ear for them to share with me some of the "upsets" that they are experiencing in their life right now. I know that for me that I really appreciate having someone to share with when I am feeling down.

Day nine had me witness one of my lovely dear old customers in a restaurant having her afternoon tea. She is in her eighties, has severe back problems and uses a walker. She moves at an almost tortoise like pace and it looks to be a very difficult process to complete even the simplest of tasks. However what makes her endearing to me is her wonderful smile and her cheerful disposition. Despite her challenges, she always chooses to be grateful for that which she has. She is such a shinning example of grace and humility.

I helped her place several muffins into a bag for her and then watched her get her tea onto a tray, all while pushing her walker to the register. I was in line watching her move about and as I paid for my sandwich I handed the cashier my last five dollars and asked him to use it to pay for her items. He smiled and then agreed saying "she is one of the regulars and comes in here every afternoon. We all look forward to seeing her come in". I left before she came through the register.

Later than afternoon I felt I gentle tap on my shoulder and turned around to see her standing there behind me. Her smile was much bigger than usual. She asked me "could you be the handsome young gentleman who so graciously paid for her afternoon tea?" I smiled back at her and replied "I could be but you did say handsome..." to which she laughed and thanked me for making her day.

I really get that even the giving of the most simplest of gifts, has a much larger and more impactful result upon those who receive the gift, than we can even imagine.

In closing, the first nine days have brought much thought and joy to my life and I eagerly await to see what the days ahead will bring...