What gifts have you been meaning to give?

I spent a lot of time decluttering this past week, and in doing so, came across a journal from 2014 in which I documented a series of daily gifts I gave, inspired by Cami Walker's book, 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life.

Every day for about three months, I gave people candy, money, meals, cards, flowers, favors, and other surprises that came to mind. One of the "rules" was that the gifts were all to be authentic and mindful -- not given just to check a box, but with a true spirit of goodwill and generosity -- and it felt wonderful to do.

Not only is it rewarding to be part of other people's joy, but each action also made me feel a little more worthy of, and grateful for, the many gifts that I was offered during that time. It was a beautiful thing to experience!

When I ended my formal commitment to the daily giving practice, I thought that I would naturally continue giving in a similar way. And to some extent, I have. But it hasn't been as consistent, and I'm aware of many small-but-meaningful things I easily could have done recently, but chose not to.

Those missed opportunities have come with a cost. Just like giving a gift builds joy and confidence, I notice that every time I avoid giving one, it makes me feel a little smaller and less powerful. And it doesn't help anyone around me either. That is not at all how I want to live!

All this has me thinking about offering a program next month where we commit to 29 days of daily gift-giving, inspired by Cami's book. 

That card you've been meaning to send? The meal you've been intending to deliver? The phone call you've been wanting to make? This would be your chance! Both to make good on your intentions, and see what else you could do to bring more joy to yourself and others.

I'm still putting together the specifics, but start thinking about whether you'd like to participate.

Who might you give to? What kinds of things might you give? What difference could it make?

If you have any comments or suggestions, just leave them below.

(And be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or join the Facebook group, if you want to be notified when this program opens.)

Thanks!!