Holiday Overload

[Mollie]

The last few months of 2008 were hectic and stressful for me, as I'm sure many of you can relate. I found myself driven by some crazy inner voice saying - "do more more more!!!" While I was shopping for family and friends - trying to find the perfect gift to show how much I care, I knew that I could never find it on the shelves - but I bought "stuff" anyway. Because of this challenge, Christmas gift-giving didn't hold as much significance this year because I have learned that the best gifts aren't planned, boughten and wrapped. They are given freely, spontaneously and mean almost more to the giver than the givee.

So... I'm happy to be back to this community of like-minded people. As much as I love my family and friends, I felt a bit empty this as I shared with them how I was inspired and affected by 29Gifts and Bridges to Life and received little if no support or interest at all. While a appreciate differences, I realized that we, here, are a rare and special breed. We see the big picture. Thank you all for your wonderful giving spirits! You truly give me hope and inspiration!

[Stacey S.]

I was all to absent on this site during the holidays as well and i really felt a little empty like something was missing. now that i am back i am feeling whole again and am so greatful for the connections i have made to the most giving people i know!

[sharon]

I am so glad I do not have the same story Mollie, My family watched this change me and I have my Mother and sister here as well and 2 of my daughters! Many of my friends locally are now friends here too(over a dozen! ) I have been blessed to have those close to me see the change in my life and want to be a part of. I started round 8 on January 2nd, and still try to blog every day.
-s

[Wako]

Mollie, what you write underscores the power and importance of community, whatever that community convenes around. So hooray for this community.

That said, I like to believe that even though your conversations over the holidays may seem to have fallen on deaf or uninterested ears, your actions and words do have an impact on others. In some way, just by your doing and sharing, there will be some difference in some way. I say this because I'm always pleasantly surprised when someone who I don't think cares or was listening says to me, "I did xyz because you're always talking about it, Wako." ;-)

[Connie Hilton]

I pray that everything is going well for you and your spirits are being lifted daily! I understand what you're saying about others lack of interest and/or support with 29Gifts and BTL. I used to take it more personal and feel as you said, "a bit empty" until I realized that it wasn't me with the lack of interest, it was the others. I've been told, as I'm sure that you have been told, "I'm too busy for that", "When would I find the time to do that", and so on and so on. And then I realized, like you, that we are a special breed! Some do not understand why I would put others, and especially strangers, before myself or why enjoying life instead of "things" is so important to me. So I just keep praying that some day they will see the light and realize how many blessings that they have been missing. It's never to late to give of yourself!!! Keep smiling and know that someone thinks that you are a very special person and feels very honored and blessed to know you!!!!

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Thanks, Mollie....