R16, D5

[IslandGirl]

This morning, I remembered that I'd put a $10 bill in my change drawer, kind of as a buffer. I decided I wanted to give half of it (to continue stretching). I went down to the grocery store, bought a gift card and left it in the washroom; on the envelope, I wrote "To whoever finds this." The shopping centre was packed, in part because it was cold and pouring, and in part because today was a "downtown trick or treat", where all the businesses hand out candy to kids. 

I came home, because it was just too cold and rainy to do anything, and a few hours later, I bundled up again to go pick up the leftovers from the coffee shop. This is part of my daily routine, and although it began because of this Challenge, I no longer consider it a gift... but I have to say, today it did feel like a Give, considering the weather! (I'd better get used to it...)

I received an email from a woman telling me that a piece of advice I'd once given her has been very useful to her lately - that was really nice to hear. It was actually something I'd heard: that we don't take one huge breath in and then hold it because there will never be any more air; we breathe in and let it out, trusting the air will be there (barring extreme circumstances!). And the same is true of money - we don't need to hold onto every little bit, but "breathe" it in and out. 

Tonight, my upstairs neighbour gave me half a large bag of almonds she'd bought. Almonds are a great nutritional balance of protein, carbs and fat. They're not terribly filling, but because I've been living on one meal a day, they're a great supplement to make sure my blood sugar doesn't totally crash. 

So, two nice receives today.

Hope you all had relaxing and inspirational Saturdays. Cheers! 

[Laura M]

Well, I'd say that giving 1/2 of the $10 when you are not eating much yourself is certainly "loving your neighbor as yourself" and splitting it right down the middle with your neighbor... Principle in Action, right there.

I also really like that thought about breathing in & out, with money as with air... it was put to me recently as the word "circulation", also in a discussion about money.... that anything that does not have good circulation (a body part, the Dead Sea, money/air) will eventually suffer/atrophy/suffocate/die/take your pick of other words for not-so-great-outcomes.  Thanks for that additional example--no hoarding!

I was also happy to read your story of the homeless guy with the chicken at the grocery store (glad you were able to get yourself some chicken)... I think the boundaries were totally appropriate & it's interesting that he was provided for (or someone else was given the opportunity to Give) some other way.  Seems like you are more than willing to literally sit down and do what you can for the homeless in your area and if *one* guy seems unsafe out of all that... I'd trust your judgment on that.  

Happy Sunday!   

L

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Your generous gift during hard times touches my heart.. I wish you were here. We could help you with a few things. It would be nice to meet you one day so I could hug a ver special Lady. May good things come your way soon.. xoxo

[Lois55 wwt]

You were so generous with your found money, even tho you are living on one meal a day. That is going above and beyond giving. You really have a kind heart..I hope soon, that the work will come in so you can fill your cupboards. You need a full belly with the cold weather heading in. I'm praying for positive things heading your way..take good care.xoxo