The reflection...
As I sat down to write today, I was reminded about this post and thought I would reprise the sentiments of the day. The bonding and connecting that comes together over tragedy is powerful. Defining moments happen, people learn about their own inner strength and we are often surprised by the empathy that stirs in us when surrounded by massive destruction.
These defining moments do just that, help establish a sort of collective character of the group that is rising from the challenge faced. While I do not wish tragedy upon anyone, I am fascinated by the strength and power of those who are resilient and rise beyond the challenges. Those who harness the power, the inner strength and use that energy to help others.
Our community is implementing flood relief efforts which include building a wall to keep the rivers that flow through the town at bay. While I realize that this will be helpful for some, I do wonder about the impact to the people and communities that live downstream. For days the construction has shook my house as enormous trucks drive beams deep into the ground to hold tall walls firm against the rising waters. I find that I am becoming distracted thinking about the people who live down stream...and I am publishing this post so that I can be reminded that there are things I can do right now to make a difference in someone's life - right now.
The Interlude...
During the first series of 100 days of giving I have talked about the floods that devastated Austin, Minnesota and even though the magnitude is much greater in real time with Hurricane Sandy and the aftermath of the flooding and water and wind damage - the concepts of moving outside ourselves to find a way to give to those around us remain the same. I am reminded about this flooding as construction swirls around me.
For this interlude I am posting 4 of the most popular posts as a means of prompting or priming the pump in the giving world. It is so easy to get so overwhelmed and consumed with the need that we may marginalize or underestimate our capacity and impact.
So today step outside yourself and do something for someone else, smile, show friendship, lend a helping hand - it does not need to cost anything...just give yourself.
The top 4 posts - just click on the link:
Giving can create a sense of relief
Do something for someone else
When you give, you give others permission to give too
And, the one that still makes me smile every time...
Find a way to stretch yourself...
❦ Just Give Yourself
100 Days of Giving is about hope, healing and simple gifts in times of difficulty and creating opportunities for each of us to have fun with unique ways of giving. Each day of the 100 Days of Giving includes a daily reflection for you to consider. Included within the 100 days are interludes, bonus times to stop and reflect. While you are reflecting...be sure to remember to LIKE 100 Days of Giving on Facebook
All 100 Days of Giving are available as an e-book you can purchase it for $3.99 at Smashwords: 100 Days of Giving e-book at Smashwords or for your Kindle at 100 Days of Giving e-book at Amazon and get all of the daily experiences, journaling exercises and stories.
Please feel free to write about your experience in the comments section, share with someone else, or keep to yourself...whatever works for you, just keep in mind that one of the most important part of giving is being open to receiving and the more you share with others, the more you will receive in return. As difficult as receiving may be for you, it is an essential part of giving, so challenge yourself and give receiving a try, or a "do...there is no try, only do."
LIKE 100 Days of Giving on Facebook
Now that 100 Days of Giving is available as an e-book you can purchase it for $3.99 at Smashwords: 100 Days of Giving e-book at Smashwords see coupon in sidebar for Smashwords and get all of the daily experiences, journaling exercises and stories.
To read about all 100 days's giving experiences you can download the e-book in a variety of formats at: 100 Days of Giving at Smashwordsor through Amazon for your Kindle: 100 Days of Giving e-book at Amazon
And now available "From The Eye of The Hurricane" eBook a collection of short stories and poems that sets the stage for, and provides the back-story for "100 Days of Giving"
From The Eye of The Hurricane available at Smashwords
From The Eye of the Hurricane
