I often receive messages and read blog posts that express some confusion about whether giving to ourselves is selfish, or if it counts as a part of our daily giving ritual. Mbali, the African Medicine Woman who gave me the 29 Gifts prescription, recently made a post on the 29 Gifts forum that advised us to begin a 29 day gift cycle to ourselves – to start each day with gratitude for what we have, as gratitude keeps the heart open, and then start the day with a gift to ourselves.

I myself have often fallen into a pattern of over-giving which leaves me feeling drained, angry and resentful--not the ideal energy to be giving from. So I decided to follow her wise advice and make a mindful effort to give something to myself each day.

Giving to yourself not only ‘counts’ – it serves as a reminder that we ourselves are worthy of receiving, it increases our sense of abundance, it helps to open our hearts and rejuvenate our spirits.

TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SAID YES AND SIGNED UP: Congratulations on being open and willing to accept abundance into your life! I predict you will be the recipient of COUNTLESS gifts.