From the time I was young until the time I graduated college I was involved in philanthropic work, but after college I stopped giving back.  I guess I found myself feeling too busy to volunteer afterall I was getting married, buying a house, figuring out a career, going back to school for a master’s degree…the list goes on. The past few years have been challenging for me emotionally as I struggle to find what my passion is, who my true support system is, how to direct my career, etc. In other words, I have become very ME focused.

Recently, my mom gave me great book called 29 Gifts (thanks mom!).  This book has served as a  reminder to me of how much giving can impact our lives. When I talk about giving I am not talking about giving so you can recieve something; I am talking about giving because it feels good to give. Not only do we feel good when we give back, but helping others often allows us to see how we can help ourselves emotionally and spiritually.

29 Gifts is by a woman, Cami, who has MS and is struggling to fight the disease while remaining positive.  After a series of events lead to a downward spiral of depression a spiritual friend, Mbali, tells her to take 29 days and give 29 gifts. Each day she must journal about her expirence.  Mbali says, ” By giving, you are focusing on what you have to offer others, inviting more abundance into your life. Giving of any kind is taking a positive action that begins the process of change. It will shift your energy for life.”

Reluctantly Cami agrees to the challenge and sets out on her 29 day journey. Sometimes she gives material goods or money other times her gifts involve no money or objects, but instead she gives away things that are invaluable like taking the time to listen to an upset friend, cooking dinner for her husband, or giving career advice to a client for free. After the 29 days is over Cami emerges with more energy, a better outlook on life, her health improves, her business begins to thrive, her relationship with her husband is closer, and much, much more.

Inspired by this book I am going to give 29 gifts in 29 days and journal about it each day. I probably won’t post all of my thoughts or the events that transpire on here, but I will let you know how it goes.  Be sure to take a moment to visit Cami’s website, 29gifts.org and read some of the blog posts and stories; I think you’ll be inspired.