Round 7 - Day 1 (7/13/12)

[Laura M]

Intentions for this Round:

I found myself entirely shocked and grateful that I was able to give myself a Big Gift at the end of last round in paying off a monthly bill (student loan) in full... and being willing to let it go and be free of it. 

That still was a gift that I gave to myself (not other people) although I absolutely credit the 6 rounds of this Challenge with contributing somehow to the Flow that allowed that to happen.  I almost had to take a break just to absorb that this actually happened in my life & savor the difference.

But it's time to concentrate again on the out-Flow to others.  I find (as I've written before) that what this Challenge does is force me to reach out to others in ways that I might think I'd like to do or that I 'mean' to, but somehow never actually 'get around' to it.

And in this little break since May... boy, there's a lot of things left undone... thank-yous not actually given, events in people's lives that deserve attention but didn't get it... and oh, yeah, that tendency to go back to focusing on MeMeMe without even realizing it.

My intentions this round:

* Finish up the thank-yous that deserve to be said/done

* Come back around to those who have had deaths or losses in their lives who might appreciate a little more comfort or attention than I gave originally

* And as always.... be willing to let go of items in my house that contribute to "clutter" rather than "Beauty/Purpose"

 

Today--Day One Friday 7/13/12:

*  Gave a coworker a thank you card for some souvenirs she brought us each back this week from her big fat once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! 

*  Found out it was National French Fry Day (!), got everybody who wanted to go rounded up for the drive-through at McDonald's at lunch time, & brought back a bag or two extra to those who almost went but didn't have money or were too shy to jump on board.  I am proud to have done my Patriotic/Civic Duty today in observing this holiday diligently & thoroughly.  :-)

 

Thanks for being out there & happy giving today and for the weekend,

 

big hug--

 

L

 

 

 

 

[Blessed Wyoming Mom (Lisa)]

Laura, we have donated everything. Our local rescue mission has a thrift store that is run by a few paid staff members, but mostly by the mission's residents. All of the money made from the thrift store's sales goes back into the mission and it's programs. I am particular about donating things that are without stains/rips (clothing) and are in good working order. Donating items in bad shape only cost the thrift stores--in time spent by it's employees sorting through unusable items and in whatever money it might cost them to dispose of those items. I don't worry about financial gain from things we no longer use or love. I consider my donations gifts, as well as my refusal to give unusable items. Those we just dispose of ourselves. 

I especially like the mission's thrift store because its prices are more affordable than some of the others in town. They really exist to help members of our community--both in the community in general and the residents of the mission. I hope this helps. It's just one philosophy, and I would do whatever makes you the most comfortable. 

[Laura M]

Hey thanks so much--so good to see everybody! 

Ann, I appreciate the thought that perhaps I *did* give to others in paying my bill off--that had not crossed my mind but it's a generous way to look at it; thank you.

Lisa--thanks for the encouraging words about getting rid of the 'stuff'--did you just donate or did you sell your things?--I find I run into an obstacle in my own mind about am I trying to just get it out of the house or do I take the time to find any financial benefit out of passing it on?  Mostly I'm just donating or getting stuff recycled, but I wonder sometimes if I'm shorting myself.  Of course dwelling on this only leads to further delay... so I am just trying to find the Flow and stuff out into it as best I can at the moment.  Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

Now back to the french fries... :-) 

[Ann]

Laura, congratulations on paying off you loan.  I know that felt good -- and yes, it is a gift to others as well since so many people default on these loans which depletes the pool (and/or ups the interest rate) for others needing this assistance.  So good for you for paying it off!  I always enjoy reading your posts and learn so much from them.  Your intentions for this round are fantastic and I really look forward to reading about your journey.  Great giving!

[Lois55 wwt]

I am so happy for you! How awesome to be free from that burden!

And I contributed to the Day of Fries unknowingly! hehe.....

[Blessed Wyoming Mom (Lisa)]

I can't believe I missed fulfilling my patriotic/civic duty by failing to observe National French Fry Day. Rats. ;^) 

Paying off a bill is such an amazing feeling, isn't it? Your intentions for this round are great, and it sounds like it started off very well. I was a clutter-bug for many years, but am so over it as my family starts to pack our tiny house to the seams. For several months we've gathered/given away at least a load per week of "stuff" that had long-ago fulfilled its purpose in our house/family. Stuff that never really had a purpose/didn't make us happy/wouldn't be useful to others got tossed. It's a great feeling.

Thank you for your inspiring post!

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Man o man! I missed French Fry Day :o(  Love this one. Great giving and new round!