I’ve been swamped with school work as of late, but before I jumped into the fray, I had a chance to do a little summer reading and the book 29 Gifts felt much like a gift given to me by a good friend (it was actually suggested to me by an acquaintance with a great deal of insight about the values of selfless giving: I had learned about this book through another MS patient whom I’d recently met at the Nat’l Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual walk.) So in a respect, I was given this book as a gift to open my mind and find a new way of focusing on others and giving freely of both time and assets.
The book’s author, Cami Walker, recaps her ventures of giving away 29 things during 29 days. As a recently-diagnosed MS patient, she is trying to find her way back to a stable and productive life, something that can be very difficult for those with multiple sclerosis. One of the most satisfying aspects of the read is the author’s positive change over the course of the month of giving: she goes from struggling with the effects of a bad relapse to rallying and making not only physical gains, but emotional strides. Walker learns the benefits of selfless giving not only for the recipients, but also for herself. In the process she decides to create a website to share her new-found knowledge: www.29gifts.org. People are encouraged to try the 29 day challenge of selfless giving and to write about their experiences on the website.
*I’m finding myself considering the challenge as well. : )
