Day 21 My last day of The Giving Project!

Wow, it went by fast. There were days I struggled with what to give, then opportunities seemed to just flow. Ways to give others a gift became easier and easier.

I am surprised how much I enjoyed the journey. I am inspired, more present, more aware- I liken it to the first time I tried on a pair of reading glasses- "wow, a whole new world, I can see the fine print!"

Amazing new opportunities at work, strengthened family and friend connections seemed to just appear and click with ease. I am looking forward to continuing this journey and sharing more with you. I know the power of giving, and simply sharing a gift a day, will enrich work environments and the bottom line, strengthen family and friends' relationships, and yes, change the world for the better.

Join me ... start anytime, and share your stories with me.

The Giving Project Day 20 - Vintage Gift

Most know that I collect and wear vintage fashion and have quite a collection of purses, sunglasses, and pristine coats. From no names to Gucci and Pucci, with the impeccable quality whether an item is hand-stitched or simply made to last, I so appreciate the details that are hard to find in everyday products today.

My latest find is a 70's belt buckle I spied on our weekend getaway at a yard sale- the ink marked masking tape sticker taped across it showed $1. I gave the woman $5 and said, "keep the change, it is fun piece, thank you." Giving more at a garage sale, instead of negotiating! Not sure if I will ever see that expression on someone's face again. Not sure if I will ever give that gift again, but that day it felt right. A gift indeed for both of us.

Vrmmm...

The Giving Project Day 19 Une Tasse de Cafe

image complements from willows95988.typepad.com

I stopped for a morning coffee- "a quick stop," I thought.

I waited in line and waited, there was no eye contact when it was my turn, and I felt myself getting slightly annoyed. Then, just as fast as the emotion of frustration came, I stopped, and reminded myself I wasn't in Paris ordering a fresh croissant and cafe au lait -- the true experience I was after -- I was in fact on my way to a meeting, a few minutes behind, just a few extra moments to spare for a cup of caffeine, er, I mean, coffee. So I stopped, breathed, and found myself commenting to the servers how busy they were, and asked if it was usually so busy. One person smiled, and said yes, thanks for noticing. They were short staffed due to a colleague calling in sick. As I was handed my coffee, I thanked them, waved and just couldn't help a cheery, "Merci, Au Revoir" sing song.

My cup of coffee tasted tres bon.

Giving Project Day 18- Gifts for the Planet

Nicola Lake sunrise

On our weekend get away, I woke to a stunning sunrise.
Grateful, inspired and in awe of the amazing beauty I experienced, my gift today is to help the planet.

I am finding little ways to help- took my own coffee cup to the cafe in town, picked up a candy wrapper off the street and put it into the garbage, read using sky light instead of electricity. Small gifts, sure, but felt good to help a little. What small gifts can you give the Earth today.

Giving Project Day 17 -Ahhh The Smell of Fresh Library Books

I love library books, always have. I remember my mom driving us kids to the library, it was a treat to go to the library. I remember having my own library card and being able to check out any book I wanted. Judy Blume when available, was always one of my favourite finds.
Today my library trips are still treats, at least once a week with the boys. We joined the Summer Reading Club- Reading Rocks! Chris Tougas, author and illustrator of Art's Supplies and Mechanimals has created the hilarious poster and reading record for Reading Rocks! where prizes are won for reading.
I thought I would thank the librarians for sharing their favourite finds, their passion for reading with my family, so the boys and I picked a few flowers from our garden and gave them to the library staff.

I enjoyed watching my sons choose their books- what topics interest them that day. For one, currently any topic to do with sharks and haunted houses gets picked off the shelves. For my other son, anything Star Wars will do.

People are talking about The Giving Project

What people are saying about The Giving Project:

"Hi Janet. I just wanted to make sure you know how much educators appreciate it when parents take the time to say "thanks". A gesture like yours is enough to make us smile for days! So . . . thanks for the thanks!"
- Irene

"Way to go Janet. What a beautiful story. I look forward to reading you tomorrow."
- Isabelle

"love your initiative! I often try to remember to give random acts of kindness or gifts in many forms and lately I am trying to also find ways to remember to be kind to myself. We are only as good to others as we are to ourselves. I look forward to reading more of your blogs and perhaps participating myself!"
- Tamara

"It is a lovely alignment to your work -- how appropo to be involved in a giving project and a business all about giving!"
- Kathleen

How has giving that little bit more impacted your life? Share your stories with your own Giving Project. -- 21 days could change your world. Join us today!

Day 16 - More Easy Ways to Give

I am on Day 16 and my daily gifts have already enriched my life. I am much more present and aware of everything and everyone in my life. I find myself more grateful for the little things- my kids' smiles, my husband's strength and support, time spent with family and friends, my colleagues' great work. I guess in a sentence I am feeling more grateful, more positive. If you have thought about starting The Giving Project, or are stuck on a day, here are few easy ways you can give today.

Tell one of your colleague's they are doing a good job.
When walking into your building, look behind you and hold the door open for the person behind you.
Smile at that person you have just held the door open for.

As Aesop once said… “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Enjoy your day.