29 Gifts by Cami Walker

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29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life
by Cami Walker

I heard about this project several years ago, but then the old website went down and I wasn't sure what I should be doing with it. Then, when I googled, I realized there was a book. Just a few hours later, I was walking out of the library with a copy in hand. I was expecting a book that would help me take charge of this projet of giving one gift every day for 29 days straight. What I got was a beautifully inspirational book full of great, heart-warming moments.

After being diagnosed with MS, Cami Walker needed something to change her state of mind... and giving was it. It's amazing to see her transformation from the beginning of this book to the end. So many wonderful things happen to her as she gives. And while I haven't experienced newfound opportunities or life-changing moments, I have thus far enjoyed my gift-giving. I had planned on finishing this book before starting, but then I found an opportunity to give, took it, and didn't look back.

So, back to the book. Cami takes us through her life before, learning about the concept from her friend Mbali, and each daily gift she gives. The more she gives, the more she realizes that it's helping to change her attitude as well as make the world better. In addition to her various experiences giving gifts (ranging from food for a homeless man to taking the time to listen to a friend), there are a few stories submitted by users of the 29 Gifts website. Hundreds of people took up the challenge and these stories are heart-warming. I love being inspired by these tales of generosity and learning about all the people who have benefited both by giving and by receiving the gifts. The world truly would be better if everyone gave of themselves at least once every day.

Here are a few parts of the book that jumped out at me:
"Gratitude keeps your heart open." ~Mbali

""When I'm approaching everything as a gift, my heart feels open and it's easier to enjoy my day, my life."

"Three different people write that giving feels easy to them; the challenge lies in offering the gifts consciously rather than just in passing.... Many of us yearn to experience moments of true altruism--where we're authentically offering a gift out of a simple, honest desire to do something nice for someone and expecting nothing in return."

"To my utter surprise, they took me away from that empty place and toward a new one I hadn't been able to imagine."

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~Mahatma Gandhi