Final days of the giving challenge reviewed...

I've completed the giving challenge and I've had some time to reflect upon all that I've learned.  I'll start with a summary of gifts for days 26-29
Day 26: Today I gave some time to myself in the form of a 50 minute yoga session.  I turned off my phone and the dog was fast asleep, so no interruptions.  It was a great time to just clear my head and re-center.

Day 27: I sent a thank you email to a friend who is always great to talk to and is very level headed.  She recently had an ADORABLE little baby and like everything else in her life is handling the new challenges with a grace.

Day 28: I gave a $10 donation to the Cincinnati library.  I'm constantly reading and I'm a very frequent patron of the library.  Our local branch of the library is cozy and I truly enjoy visiting......I usually stop in 2-3 times a week.  Also, the vast collection of audiobooks have helped me pass the day when I have repetitive protocols to do during an experiment.

Day 29: the final day....I gave a donation to the freestore food bank.  At the grocery store you pick out a prepacked bag of food and they scan the bag for donation.  Then, the bag goes into a bin and it's given to the food pantry.  This time of year giving food is more important than ever, the holidays aren't the same without a meal to share with the family.

What I've learned the past 29 days...
I've gained a giving perspective...meaning...during a normal day I'm looking for opportunities to give back to those around me.  It's important to remember that giving can be small and simple, but it still has an affect upon my state of mind.  I approach the day by asking "what can I give today?" which sets a positive tone over the whole day.  Also, my days have been more optimistic and more light hearted knowing that I'm giving back to human kind and the world, daily.

The past 29 days have made me more aware of my attitude and moods I'm projecting to those around me and how that may effect them.  The experience was eye opening and I would recommend it for everyone!

Wonderful snow...

Typically snow is dreaded, especially in Cincinnati.  The city goes into an overall panic at the threat of snow, but yesterday was different.  Although there were several people grumbling about the frozen precip it was very beautiful.  I walked outside at about 6:15 am taking little Phil for a walk (this was well before the wind picked up later in the day), and the snow was falling slowly in large flakes illuminated by only the street lights.  It felt like a movie scene, and I wish I could capture it.

The snow is gone today, but the chill remains.

Giving days 20-25...

I'm nearly done with the giving challenge, and it's been quite a journey.  I'm very much more aware of my attitude toward activities and people in my life.  Here's the recap of what I gave for days 20-25

Day 20: coincided with my 28th birthday....there was a lot of receiving of birthday wishes from people that day.  I gave small things: a good attitude while in the lab, many thanks to friends, and I organized a trivia night for a group of my friends for us to have some fun together during the week! I also journaled about what I've accomplished in the last year, and I will share that at another time.  Listing my accomplishments for the year made me realize some things I wasn't able to achieve and things that I didn't originally plan but did achieve.

Day 21: Today I gave a soda to a coworker.  This was by accident since I bought a new one and she grabbed it off our table at work since we drink the same soda, but I figured since she was having a more frustrating morning than I was that I would let it go and she could have the extra bubbly caffeine.

Day 22: Thanksgiving day!  Jonah and I spent the day with my family and the pets.  To give I picked up my brother and gave him a ride to my mom and step-dad's home for dinner and some time together.  He has a tendency to frustrate me, but I decided to approach the situation differently and I enjoyed the day with him.

Day 23: I gave time to someone else.  I left work early to spend time with Jonah, and on the way home picked up some yummy dinner!  We spent our time together lazily.....watching football and lounging with the pup.  It was very relaxing.

Day 24: I gave money to the salvation army guy with the bell and bucket.  As I walked into the store he was standing by the door looking sad and cold, not ringing his bell.  So, on the way out I dropped in a donation and he perked up a bit.

Day 25: I realized at about 8pm on Day 25 that I hadn't actively thought about giving all day.  My day was consumed with running errands and going into the lab for a bit of time.  After feeling a bit bummed that I hadn't thought about giving, I decided to start gathering up old kitchen supplies that I have and no longer need or have replaced but not gotten rid of.  I packed a box for goodwill of extra plates, bowl, small appliances, and pots and pans.  Hopefully, these items will be given a good home where they will be used instead of sitting in the cupboard as extras.

Happy Holidays everyone!