29Gifts.org

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I decided to do the 29-Day Giving Challenge as an experiment. I was in a very dark period in my life dealing with a chronic illness (Multiple Sclerosis) as well as a major move from San Francisco to Los Angeles. One of my spiritual teachers, Mbali Creazzo, suggested that I give away 29 things in 29 days in an effort to get outside my own struggle for a few seconds each day.

I wrote down Mbali’s suggestion in my journal and then promptly forgot about it. I couldn’t fathom giving to others at that point. I was very attached to my struggle and really believed that I had nothing to give anyone. I believed I needed all of my energy for my own healing. I was forgetting that healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens through our interactions with other people.

The first day of my personal 29-Day Giving Challenge was preceded by a sleepless night. I was awake all night feeling angry and sorry for myself. When insomnia hits, I often go through old journals and read them. I found a note that I'd made during that phone session with Mbali two months before. The note said, "Give something away each day for 29 days." It was 3 a.m. and I decided in that moment to take the suggestion.

And so the challenge began...

Read More

29 Gifts: How A Month Of Giving Can Change Your Life is available in book stores now. 29 Gifts is the insightful story of how our founder, Cami walker, saw her life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. By Day 29, not only had Cami’s health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement. The book also includes personal essays from others whose lives changed for the better by giving 29 Gifts. More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world. Visit your local bookstore to buy a copy now, or order online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Borders today.

Chip In To Support Operation Smiley Face and fellow 29Giver Lubabat Scotland.
In November, we're sponsoring a cause that has been started by fellow giver, Lubabat Scotland. We are so deeply touched and impressed by Lubabat's strength of character, bravery and spirit. Lubabat was diagnosed with MS in the mid 90s, and then in August of this year, she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her reaction to this diagnosis has been so inspirational - she is fighting the disease by giving. She has started a movement called Operation Smiley Face. Now, Lubabat is hosting a Christmas Give and her theme is "going small to make a big impact." Support Operation Smiley Face..