I read Cami's book and decided to begin the 29-Day Challenge back in February of last year while I was in my first trimester of my pregnancy, my husband away at ARMY training, and my 1st year of teaching. I didn't make it to Day 2.
I have committed to starting this journey again. I am at a very different point in my life. I am a stay-at-home mama to my beautiful 10-month old baby, living on a military base 8 hours away from all of my family and friends, trying to be supportive of my husband's military endeavors.
I do not have any close friends here. In fact, I hardly ever leave the house. I realize that this isolation is only feeding the darkness and uselessness I feel. So, I am taking on this challenge again.
I started my day with the committment, and the affirmation that I will "give abundantly." That is just what came to my heart when I woke up.
I kept waiting to see what I would be able to give today. I woke up energized, and that lasted all of 20 minutes. I was very lethargic, and felt very sad today. By the time my husband came home from work at 5:00, I thought that this Challenge would have to wait for another day, because I did not see any opportunity for any gift I could give.
After a dinner at Chipotle ( a treat for us to eat out!), I went on Craigslist. I do this often to see jobs and pets in the area. ( Another story for another post). I saw a job listing for an online news reporter. My husband's battle buddy's wife is having a very difficult transition to our post, and is a recent graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism. Being in a small town compared to California, where she is from, the opportunities are very limited. I called her to tell her about the opportunity.
After talking with her, I realized that this was my gift of the day.- Telling a friend about a job opportunity in the area. It definitely was not of the grand scale like I had planned. And, then I realized that maybe that is what I was supposed to receive from giving that gift. That not all gifts are elaborate. It made me realize that maybe all of the little things I do each day are not so mundane after all.
Today I am thankful for:
1. The opportunity to start over
2. Chipotle burritos
3. Clean sheets
Ready for Day 2 : )
Comment
Comment by Yan on August 11, 2012 at 6:36am You are welcome!
Comment by Mrs. C on August 10, 2012 at 7:14pm Thank you all for your comments. It was really a gift to me to read them. Thank you for your kind words, they really are great to read! Good for you Wizegie! Persistence!
Comment by Wizegie on August 10, 2012 at 12:25pm It's true, not all gifts are elaborate, or even on purpose! So far, I've started over twice and this will be my third try to get all the way through 29 days of giving.
Happy giving to you! ;-)
Welcome Ms. C!!! you will make lots of new friends here at the forum as well!!! <3
Comment by Yan on August 9, 2012 at 9:17pm Welcome, Mrs. C! I can somehow connect to how you are feeling, my sister is also in a base far from all of us. I invite you to read some of the blogs and discussions here, they can be very inspiring. They are for me! I think you made a very valuable conclusion today! Keep it up! Sometimes it is not so much about making a big revolution, but about seeing what we do differently and maybe doing it from a different spot. Best of luck in this wonderful journey!
Welcome back....this is the perfect time to reboot your challenge, Mrs. C! We are here for support anytime you need us. I'll bet your friend was very grateful to hear of the job opportunity! I join Deb in thanking you and your husband for your sacrifices and dedication to our country for us! Hugs to a sweet new Mama:) Take care, and blessings to you and your family.
Been here done it! I understand completely how you feel with this way of life. I once was a Military wife. I hope this journey will bring positive things into your life. Thank you and your family for your sacrifices made to give us our freedoms. I wish I could hug you and tell you it will be better soon. We are here for support and we stand beside you through the light and dark times, Mrs. C. xoxo I love your thankful list :o)
READ THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING STORY BEHIND THE MOVEMENT

Thank You to Mbali Creazzo for inspiring the 29 Gifts Movement
PINCURL GIRLS
VIEW THE SHOW
Pincurl Girls by Jen Lukas-Landis encourage girls to avoid self-doubt by looking for happiness and expressing their artistic talents.
SACRED CIRCLE MANDALAS
Purchase art at sacredcircleart.com touchstonesofthesacred.com
© 2013 Created by Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder.
You need to be a member of 29-Day Giving Challenge to add comments!
Join 29-Day Giving Challenge