You are currently browsing the monthly archive for January 2009.
: : : :
I am so fortunate to write on this day of hope and change. A new president, a new era. A world that has another opportunity to move in the right direction. A shift in our social consciousness.
The 36-day GIGGGLE project taught some unexpected lessons – and a little more about myself. I am pleased for what I could do and optimistic that I can continue the giving-receiving cycle in a more fluid natural way going forward. Some of those things that I learned . . .
1: that we all give and receive every day in our own unique ways. And mostly without a directed intent of doing so.
2: one does not need to have a lot of money, does not need an abundance of time, and does not even need a fair amount of energy to be a giver. Something as subtle as a nod of appreciation toward somebody can change their course of direction for the day – which can thus positively change those in that person’s path. And if one does have an abundance of money, time, energy + the proclivity to be charitable, then the opportunities are endless. My current conclusion is that the value of the intent and action is not relative to the monetary value or grandness of a gesture. Giving and receiving is non-exclusive, accessible to all.
3: that when I began this – it was born out of a small interesting “what if…” thought in my head. I didn’t thoroughly think through logistics or what happens when life gets in the way. I’m glad I did not. Without the pressure of having to do this a correct way, it was easier to be organic and creative. There were experiences which I did not jot down, like bringing a flowerbud to somebody ‘just because’ and reaching out to strangers with suggestions on questions they were needing answered. Those sort of things can be as giving as a monetary donation – and in the balance of life, sometimes just as appreciated.
4: I had concerns that, as somebody with a current health challenge, I would not be able to complete the project. Turns out, I am stronger willed than I thought. I had moments of discouragement, particularly with realizations of my inability to be a consistent volunteer. But that is a TINY part in giving and helping out. Compassion, a helping hand up, giving, being a good listener – all these things come in many forms. I have also been reminded that if I really want to volunteer with a specific cause, that there are things that can be done virtually in which I do not have to think so much about physical demands and consistency.
Am surprised that I did not focus on the items that I thought I would be most passionate about – particularly literacy and children’s causes. In the end, they seem so important – so large – that to have one small thing to contribute seemed trivial. And what I want to devote there feels like it should be on an ongoing basis. So isn’t that interesting that I would skip those altogether in the 36 days?
On the receiving side, this was not as easy for me. Though it was magnified just how abundant and fortunate I am, and how easy it is to find things to be grateful for. On New Years day, I gathered a list of accomplishments from the last 16 months and spent some time reflecting on how much I have been able to do in light of some difficult and challenging circumstances over the last year. I have been a good human do-ing. And will continue the evolution to a human be-ing. The latter months have definitely been more about just being. And about exploring my worth in the context of just being alive (in contrast to my worth being equal to a societal-defined measure of productivity). I must say that there seems to be some sort of correlation in the ability to receive with the confidence of feeling valued as a person. Understand that this may be vague, however it does makes sense in my head. Lots more to explore in that area . . .
Perhaps the most important lesson I receive from GIGGGLE is one of perspective. It is with great gratitude that I have the mindset to appreciate the positive parts of my life. And how much I really have. Hoping that you will join me in the journey of the continued giving-receiving cycle. And may we all find simple gifts to share in both the mundane and extraordinary moments of our lives.
: : : :
: : : :
The 2009 Day of Service – Martin Luther King Day – takes place this year on January 19, 2009 . Consider spending this day or the weekend being a greater part of your community.
In the Bay Area, there are opportunities as varied as:
- planting ferns in Paradise Park in Tiburon ( 01/17 ) SFGate Website Details
- helping to clean up Ocean Beach with the Surfrider Foundation ( 01/18 )
- visiting with Veterans and helping with the monthly Ice Cream Social at the VA Hospital in Menlo Park ( 01/18 ) VolunteerMatch Website Details
- sorting medical supplies for shipment in San Leandro ( 01/19 )
MLK Day Website Details and MedShare International
- beautification and clean-up of Quesada Gardens in Bayview ( 01/19 )
MLK Day Website Details and Quesada Gardens Blog
- calling your place of worship to volunteer your services for a portion of the day!
- spending the day with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy ( 01/19 )
- becoming an adult literacy tutor in your area ( ongoing! )
(Oakland) Adult Learning & Literacy Providers
(SF) Project Read SF and Project Read Blog
(Peninsula) Project Read Redwood City
(North Bay) Marin Literacy Program and Adult Literacy League of Sonoma County
The opportunities are endless. Do some investigating on your own through your favorite foundation, charity or cause. There really is a little something for everyone!
: : : :
I spent a good deal of time on the last day of the year in quiet. Writing to myself about the past year and the new and improved year to come. I am optimistic about the future, but also struggle on a daily basis with doubts that I am pursuing the right treatment options and wondering how much more my physical body can take. I enjoy thinking and researching about volunteering, and am enviable of those that can commit to such. I have always tried to be a “practice what I preach” type of person. But the dilemma of dealing with an unpredictable chronic illness means that I cannot do physical work and may not be able to follow through with commitments I make. Everything is truly lived in the present. A good place to be, but the real world doesn’t exactly work like that. So I am going to do some more thinking about how I can contribute to my community on an ongoing basis, stay balanced and not overwhelmed, and not martyr myself by exhausting my time for the rest of the week. There is no room for guilt in my life.
That’s a lot of nots and negatives in those sentences . . . a way I don’t normally like to approach things. My ultra-responsible self has always been overly aware of what it means to commit to something and not bail at the last minute. No longer realistic. Will think about it some more, and would welcome other ideas which involve participation on a more spontaneous and less physical basis.
: : : :
: : : :
Happy New Year all you sleepyheads!
This week I did a lot of random things. Like giving away items from my house reno to those that could use the older stuff. And I have an update on the Slipper Project. But first I have a garden to go sit in. So please excuse me while I ponder. Deep thoughts are sure to come.
: : : :
Coming home from an errand, I am stopped at a busy intersection. I notice that a huge snow-white bird statue had been mounted on a small corner patch of grass. It is an egret – or maybe a swan. Odd choice of place to put such a thing, I think. It must be almost as tall as I, certainly over half my height. As I turn the corner, I glance in the rearview mirror for one last look at the curiosity. The statue majestically spreads its wings and takes flight.
.
.
: : : :
Recent Comments