No Monetary Value!

[Cindy]

As I'm traveling I'm challenging myself to give each day, and have found myself wondering "if it counts if the gift has no monetary value?"

After the first such gift - which was a long, listening chat with a waitress in Alabama - I decided to challenge my own inner voices and live OPENLY and listen each day to someone new, someone I have never met and who I will never meet again...but rather than duck out of the encounter I choose to embrace it and engage in it.

To give myself, my ear, my time.

So does it count?

[Lubabat Scotland]

Without a doubt YES it counts! I personally feel that some of the best gifts we can give are free, and giving of ourselves, in the form of our full attention to others, is at the top of the list in my book. :)

[Cindy]

On my trip I've found that people really like telling you about their town, about their job and about the area they live in. Or so it has been for me.

So I give of myself -- a little time and I see a "giving spark" light up in their eyes as they give me the lowdown and the layout.

It's been delightful. Today at lunch a young woman was quite intrigued that we've driven from Florida (we're now in Minnesota) and she just loved telling us about herself, her town and all the surrounding area.

We've both been smiling ever since. I think that was something else she gave us.

[Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder]

It absolutely counts! I love this idea. I see a book in your future.... 29 Conversations with Strangers. hee hee hee! Fabulous!

[Mary Johnson]

AWESOME book idea - you better run with it, or I will!

[Mary Johnson]

Yes. Giving your time, your attention, your interest, yourself, is giving love - more valuable than money.

Although money is a close second. :-)

...Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Cindy]

Hahaha! Mary - I agree!

And Cami - that is a great idea... I'm going to see where that takes me ... hmmmm!

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Thanks, Cindy~