Giving With Gratitude Not Regret

When I was little, I remember the words of my beloved father. He said, "when someone comes to you and asks for a donation, give them something even if it is only a dollar." To this day, I hold his wise words in my heart. When asked, I always try to give something, whether it's my time, a financial donation, used clothing, gift certificates, a kind word, open mind or a listening heart.

Every day it seems like more and more people are in need. Some are sick, requesting homecooked or raw sprouted foods from the garden. Some need my treasured art supplies, while others ask for foliage from the yard, and sometimes there is even someone who needs the clothes off my back. However, it can all become overwhelming. So when giving seems impossible, I stop myself. And instead of saying, "No. I'm sorry, I cannot help," I just go for it. I always feel lighter because of having done it. And to tell you the truth, I just like myself more afterwards.

Recently someone I love and adore was battling cancer. As a side effect, she lost a lot of weight. Unable to fit in her clothes, I wanted to help. I began to gather items from my closet. Not just any hand-me-down frocks, these things were my favorite "thin me" attire. Items that (sometimes) I really loved to wear. My favorite jean jacket, belts, excercise clothes, fab skirts and cocktail dresses were all included. But just as I was leaving to make the delivery, I took one last look at my things. Suddenly I felt regret. It was like giving away a piece of myself. But by the time I arrived at my friend's door, my outlook had transformed. When you give with love, you are also rewarded. My reward was not a cleaner closet, nor was it the satisfaction of bringing new life to old things. There was more to it than that... I had helped reenergize someone's will to live, and to be well. Realizing this, my regret was replaced with grattitude. I continue to be thankful for the strength, opportunity and ability to help someone so personally and profoundly.

There are many ways to give. Some opportunities are once in a lifetime, while others are created intentionally in our daily lives. Throwing a party is one of my favorite ways to give "outside the box." Inviting at least ten friends, everyone is asked to bring something - something that only they can bring. Not exactly like America's Got Talent, the idea is more simplistic. Everyone has a gift, something that makes them special. A party is the perfect environment to share these special gifts. Some people share parenting tips, poetry or sing a song. Others bring grandma's tried-and-true recipe for skin care, or chicken soup. My gift is usually the sillouettes I cut. But no matter what you bring to the party, chances are someone there will enjoy and benefit from it. So take the initiative. Gather your friends, family and dive in! You may be suprised to discover all the special gifts that are hidden all around you.

 Before your celebration winds down, squeeze in some time for a game. Sitting in a circle with a crown or tiera (optional) for effect, make your way around the circle and take turns bragging and complementing each other. Hearing all about their "greatness," your guests will enjoy an opportunity that, for most of us, doesn't come around often enough. If you hesitate, are uncertain, or fear that you won't be able to elaborate positively on someone else, chances are you will surprise yourself. So just go for it! It is an easy, fun and interactive way to give and receive.

Working at Walt Disney World, we were required to attend the University of Disney. There, we learned that it takes more work to frown, than it does to smile. So we learned to smile, but not by showing our teeth. We learned to smile by letting our eyes shine. In the words of Eat, Pray, Love, "smile with your guts." That means twinkle inside and out. Giving THAT smile to the world, means you will also recieve - peace, love, health and happiness.