One Hundred Days of Giving: book collecting

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Day 73 ❦ Give Practically

Day 73 ❦ Give Practically

THE GIFT: Boxes of Books

It probably does not matter if the entire world decides to have their information delivered to them entirely electronically, or via e-reading opportunities - I am a tactile person. I love books, the love the way a book feels in my hand, I love holding a book in my arms, I buy books just because I love the way their cover feels - I love real live books. And, I am and equal opportunity book collector - if I own a book, it becomes part of my collection. I have shelf after shelf after shelf filled and overflowing in my office and home with my collections. In the attic, the collection continues, with books from my younger life and the few remnants from a childhood lost. When I went away to college, I took a few of my favorite Nancy Drew books with me, which was fortunate because after I left, my remaining personal belongings were all thrown away. Hmmm...maybe I am beginning to identify the origins of my pack-rat behavior...

Every now and then, actually every six months, I go through fits of cleaning where I just want to get rid of everything.

Why 100 Days of Giving? What I did...anyone can do...

Simple Gifts

When I started this exercise, the motives were somewhat selfish. I needed a focus, a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to look forward to each day. Waking up to giving seemed like a good idea. I had no idea how hard it was going to be, what challenges the exercise would offer, or what the “rules” would be. I just knew that if I set as a goal to give something each day I would have something else on which to to spend my energy - instead of ruminating about the scarcity in my life, or the fear of losing my job. I also had absolutely no idea of what I would get back in return, no expectations of how much would come into my life - all of the unintended consequences - both good and bad.

This is written as a personal journal, for a personal journey. What I did - anyone can do and I believe that the rewards can be as great, if not greater. The things I chose to give are everyday common gifts and did not cost very much - if anything. The true value was in the timing, the method of giving, and the recipient. The unexpected value to me was that I got my life back from out of the darkness - your rewards may be very different. What I do know is that implementing an intentional act of giving into your daily life will inspire you, provide hope, and disburse caring into a world that so desperately needs love.

One Hundred Days of Giving

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What are you going to do today to make a difference in someone's life?

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Day 73 ❦ Give Practically