Day 28 and 29: Let's Keep This Going...

[Chris]

 

Day 28 (Tues) :  Today's gift had been planned for awhile, so this was an easy one.  I went with some friends to volunteer at Cradles to Crayons - an organization in Boston that provides school supplies and clothes for children in need.  It was a good experience, and once again, we were amazed at the size of the warehouse and the organization and manpower that goes behind something like that.  We were also 1 of 4 groups volunteering that night, so we were reminded of how great the need is. 

 

Day 29 (Wed):  Several little gifts today which made for a very nice Day 29.  I cooked dinner at home, which is a rarity.  Shrimp, scallops, and a black bean and corn salsa (!).  It was kind of a compromise, so that my partner and I could eat together at home before I left to go to a 12-step meeting.  I really wanted to go to this meeting because I was planning to pick up my 60-day chip that night.  For awhile, I had such a hard time speaking during meetings, and I still do, to an extent.  But I no longer feel like I'm going to have a heart attack when the discussion is coming around the room to me. 

One of the guys I've met in recovery suggested that I should go ahead and get a chip each day that week if I wanted to.  He explained that it helps others to see you get up and receive one.  He said it works the same way with speaking at meetings.  So for my gift today, I reached out to new people at the meeting, spoke to the group (it was just my second time at this particular meeting), and received the chip. 

 

So after the meeting, I spoke with someone new and we exchanged numbers.  (If you're not familiar with how it works in substance-abuse recovery, you pretty much establish a network of new friends pretty quickly.  You make new connections with people and reach out.  This has gotten so much easier since I started the meetings 2 months ago, and the 29 Gifts has helped me realize that accepting an outstretched hand is also a gift to the person who is offering it.)  We started talking and we have some of the same music interests.  I offered to make him a CD of some Tori Amos songs that he doesn't have, and give it to him at the next meeting.  It was really cool that this happened today, on day 29, because it was a gift that I can follow through with next week.  So, in a way, a gift for the next 29 days presented itself tonight to get the next cycle started.  :) 

[Miyuki]

Thank you for sharing the story :)

[Lois55 wwt]

What an awesome awesome post! Congratulations to  you, 60 days, that is something to be so very proud of!! Your ability to reach out to others will go along way in helping so many, a wonderful domino effect! The Cradle for Crayons is a great sounding charity.. You are a busy bee....and I am so glad you are going another round! Hugs to you....

[Deb~ Community Manager]

What a lovely gift to a worthy cause~ Congratulations on your 60 day chip! I am so proud of you. WooHoo! Bless you for going a step further and being there for others. Be blessed and thank you for sharing with us~

[Ann]

Youy have given wonderful gifts.  Congratulations on earning your 60 day chip.  That is s wonderful gift to yourself and all those who love and care about you. The Cradle to Crayons project is such a worthy cause -- thank you for lending a helping hand.   I am so glad to hear that you will be continuing with us here for another round.  What a fantastic idea to end your first 29 day giving cycle with a gift that will carry on through your next cycle!  Blessings

[Chris]

Oh, and to those of you who took me up on my recent gift to send you a copy of Peace Soup, I haven't forgotten about you.  Maybe I made that offer a little prematurely. :)  I was ambitious and it was right in the middle of my 29 days.  I had just ordered the books and they haven't come in from amazon yet.  I have the packages ready to go, so as soon as I get them, they will be on their way to you...