Giving without Spending a Penny

Recently, Sharon, a member of the 29 Gifts Welcome team made a post entailing ways to give gifts without spending any money. So often we live in a place of scarcity (particularly financial scarcity) and allow that to be an excuse for not giving. This only perpetuates our sense of inadequacy, and encourages us to focus on what we do not have, or can not do, which locks us into a self-limiting cycle. It's easy to forget that by giving, we remind ourselves of the abundance in our lives. It is time we take notice of the blessings in our lives, and to build ourselves up with esteemable acts that are gifts to those around us.

Below are eight gifts that don't cost a cent to give.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen.
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.
Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on
the back and handholds.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny greetings.
Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red,"
"You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." ...Pericles

If you'd like to join me in my personal mission to revive the giving spirit in the world, go sign up at 29Gifts.org. Just click on the sign up button, answer a few simple questions and you're on your way to giving your gifts to the world.

Good giving today. May you be the recipient of many gifts.