Day 13 and 14 - being there for someone

[doshi26]

 

 

Happy Thursday! 

 

I haven't been keeping up with this as much as I wanted to, but my goal is to get better at it!

 

Now that I'm on my 15th day of giving I can easily say that this has made a huge impact for me.  I am not sure if I have been "receiving" anything differently but I think my appreciation for the little things have changed.  Things like, time to myself, listening to good/happy music, enjoying the nice weather outside, running, reading, and spending time w/ quality people are all things I took for granted at times.  However, while being part of this challenge, little things like I mentioned above have been the gifts that I've been receiving and appreciating.  Day 13 and 14 have been simple gifts from me.  I wanted to give my time to others and be a part of the little thing in their day they could appreciate. 

 

On Day 13 I received a box of cookies from a client thanking me for all the work I've done.  I left 1 of the boxes on my pregnant coworker's desk and the other in the kitchen for everyone to have some.  (I did keep one box for myself :P) I also had my midyear review for work and had a great meeting with my manager.  We spent an hour in her office discussing my performance and she gifted me with so many kind words.  I also took that time to let her know how much I appreciate her in my work life and am certain I would not be where I was without her.  She has pushed me so much these past 6 months at tasks that are very much out of my comfort zone.  Many times I was afraid I would fail but she kept right at it.  In the end, she was right and I needed the challenge. I appreciate her so much and knew that I needed to let her know.  Last but not least, that evening I was watching the news and heard about a young girl named Rachel who wanted her friends to donate money for her 9^th birthday to freshwater projects in developing nations.  She wanted to raise 300 dollars.  Rachel died in a car crash recently and her mom decided to make this donation nationwide.  Right now the amount raised is $560,504.00.  Hearing about this really inspired me.  How many people, especial 9 years old, would opt out on gifts to raise money? It is apparent that she was very selfless and had a very big heart.  It's a tragic to see such a wonderful human being losing their life.  However, her spirit still stays here! I'm glad I could be a part of this by donating a merely 9 dollars. 

 

Wednesday, Day 14- Today was just any other normal work day.  A coworker came into my office looking for another coworker, but she wasn't in today.  She wanted to ask her for advice so I asked if there was anything I could do.  She was thinking of going on vacation to Kansas to see her sisters and dad but wasn't sure if it was a good idea with the money.  She hasn't taken a vacation in years because of money and when she takes time off work she usually just stays local.  I talked her through her decision and she decided that it was time to treat herself and to go! Today she was telling me and another coworker (the one she was looking for yesterday) that she was happy she made this decision and thanked me for helping her (even though all I did was be there for her to bounce ideas back and forth)

I also made plans with my friend to meet at lunch because she has been stressing out a little about work and home.  I wasn't sure if I could give her the right advice but realized quickly that all she needed were two listening ears.  She is in the process of buying a home but is a little torn.  I told her I would go with her to see the house that evening.  The house is AMAZING! I think the reinsurance that she got from me and even her parents made her feel a lot better with the decision.  A bonus point - she will be just 1/5 miles from me :)

I went to dinner w/ her and her family and it really made me miss mine so I gave my parents a call just to say hi!

 

Today is Day 15 of my giving challenge and I already have a list of ideas for gifts to give :)

[Deb~ Community Manager]

I am so sorry about Rachel..... Your blog has touched my heart. Bless you sweet doshi!

[Michele wwt]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful post...very touching. :)

[Lois55 wwt]

What a great blog, so true in many ways.. and you  have given so many thoughtful and loving gifts. I am so sorry about Rachel, what a tragedy. She was an Angel on earth and now an Angel in Heaven.