try three, day one

Comment

Comment by Belize on January 12, 2011 at 8:26am

Hi Erica,

I just read your "old" post. I felt like you a few days ago: I ended up each day being stressed because of the challenge on top of everything else because I tried to "go with the flow" but was too overwhelmed with the rest of my life to really think about gifts or see who I could give to around me. This is when I realized that I needed more planning to make it work, at least for these days when I felt more down and had no inspiration. So I made a list of the people around me I could give to and tried to think of something I could give each of them. I still haven't found ideas for everybody, but it helps me focus. When I have a minute, i think about someone on the list and try to see what I could do for them or what I could give them. It's actually fun. There is no pressure because there is no deadline like for a birthday, it distracts me from my problems or bad mood and then  shopping for that person or preparing something for him or her makes you feel very good.

I hope that helps.

Comment by EMeh on January 5, 2011 at 6:05am

The special thing about giving is that it's not hard to find an opportunity. Buy the next person in line a coffee, give a tip to the cashier, a special word or a kind gesture to a stranger. I can hear the stress in your words, i have been where you are. Going to school, raising a family, working and dealing with a personnel crisis. Every minute seems charged and you feel as if everything will fall apart  any minute now. But at that particular moment the only thing you should focus on is your breathing. Take just 2 minutes and step away and take a couple of deep breaths and keep the thought in your mind that you are doing what you need to do for a better future and things will get better one day, one minute at t time. Be strong, be kind to your self first.

Comment by Lois55 wwt on January 5, 2011 at 5:59am

Erica, just breathe....go with the flow like Deb says. And remember, kindnesses, compliments and courtesies, count.

Comment by Deb~ Community Manager on January 5, 2011 at 5:02am

You may be trying too hard Erica~ It is sometimes best to just relax and go with the flow. The more you relax the more opportunities to give will appear all around you. All gifts are not the same either. A smile, hug or kind word may be the just the gift someone needs that day. Take care and relax and try to rest as you sound exhausted. Keep us posted as to how it goes. Good luck to you! xoxo