Day 28 & 29 round two

[bouvie]

Still processing day 27's gig. We donated our time & talent, but the gift was to me as well. I had the chance to get some original songs out in the world for new ears to hear. The feed back from the audience was very validating. One woman from the audience told me she has a non-profit called Universal Dream of Peace. She enjoyed the lyrics of my songs and got my info for potential future gig-giving. I also received a free massage on my arm and shoulder from an audience member after she found out that my arm was seizing up as I played guitar. She enjoyed our set so much she couldn't resist giving to me with her talents. In just a few minutes she opened up my back and arm muscles. I will definitely try to schedule an official appointment with her.
At dinner time we shared our table & some small talk with some strangers who needed a seat at a busy restaurant.

Day 28 we bought flowers and soil and made up some window boxes. It's a gift to us, but also to the neighborhood, to the businesses we patronized, and to the butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds who will hopefully come visit our flowery haven.

Day 29 Two months of conscious giving and I finally gave myself permission to buy bras. It has been forever. I feel bad that I've neglected my poor body in this manner for so long. Bras always seem "too hard", or too expensive, or too something for me to allow myself to replace them.

I have really learned to keep my money in flow these past few months. It is very freeing . I find that I actually have MORE money this way. And I have a greater willingness to work, not out of responsibility, but just out of willingness. Also my perspective has shifted at work, my classes are more in flow. In both my finances and in the classroom I am much more spontaneous and willing to take a new risk. I am more self-indulgent (vs. depriving myself) and I am more indulgent with the kids in my classes (vs. more controlling). Nifty.

[Toni]

I love your observations! I too have struggled with the concept of receiving when the intent was to give. Then, I remembered the premise of The Law of Attraction. Now I try to function with the knowledge that when I open myself up to giving to others, I automatically open the universe to giving to me as well...like it or not! :) Sometimes it's still difficult to receive, but I'm inclined to believe it's a law of physics. Much along the same lines as: What goes up, must come down, and for every action there is an opposite reaction.

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Sounds like this journey has made things better for you! I am so happy! Your gifts are many and also very thoughtful too. I love the window boxes too!