Tag: #24daysofgiving
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Give yourself a day off (Day 14 of #24DaysofGiving)
The next ten days before Christmas are usually a whirlwind of hectic activity – holiday luncheons, evening parties, church and school events, shopping, wrapping, cooking and baking… Is your head spinning now? If not, kudos to you! But if it is, give yourself a day off (or at least a few hours or an evening)…
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Give a nice greeting (Day 13 of #24DaysofGiving)
During the holidays, I notice that strangers are more likely to start up conversations while waiting on line, or wishing each other well in passing. The personal boundaries we usually keep up the rest of the year falls during the holidays, when people are feeling more excited, open and generous. The other day, I was…
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Give yourself space to let the light in (Day 12 of #24DaysofGiving)
The holidays can be a very hectic time – both joyous and stressful. Add to it colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which can darken moods and zap energy. During Advent, we wait in ever-deepening anticipation of what is to come, and what has been promised. We wait, preparing to move from darkness into a…
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Give yourself permission to say no (Day 11 of #24DaysofGiving)
Advent is supposed to be a time for waiting and anticipation, for spiritual reflection and cultivating hope, peace, joy and love in our hearts. Yet, for most people, December is crammed with holiday events, shopping and other obligations that can be a drain on time, energy and peace of mind. If holiday jingles jangle your…
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ForGIVEness for yourself and others (Day 10 of #24DaysofGiving)
A lot has been said about the power of forgiveness to heal and transform lives. Forgiveness is one of the most crucial spiritual teachings we have been given to learn, yet it can be one of the most difficult to put into practice. “Forgive and forget” is a popular mantra, but in truth, it can…
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Give blessings (Day 9 of #24DaysofGiving)
This week, we lit the Advent candle of peace. It was a moment to reflect on our Prince of Peace, Jesus, who taught us to open our divided hearts toward a life of reconciliation. Yesterday was also the anniversary of the murder of John Lennon, another strong advocate for peace. One of the ways we can create…
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Give hugs (Day 8 of #24DaysofGiving)
Words may fail, but a true hug never does. We are a culture disconnected from healthy, loving, healing touch – everything that a heartfelt hug offers. One of the books my daughter loved for me to read to her was a book called Hug, by Jez Alborough. The main character, a chimp named Bobo, searches…
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Give a handwritten note (Day 7 of #24DaysofGiving)
When was the last time you received – or wrote – a handwritten note to someone, just because? Sure, you still may write thank you cards and maybe even Christmas cards by hand, but when was the last time you wrote a note or letter by hand? Now that emailing, texting and social media are…
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Give 3 words of love (Day 6 of #24DaysofGiving)
How often do you let the people in your life know that they are loved? That they are special? Or appreciated? Words are energy: what you say (or don’t say) to someone has the power to profoundly impact their heart and soul. And chances are, we don’t tell those we care about how much they…
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Give a cup of coffee or tea (Day 5 of #24DaysofGiving)
One of my fondest memories of childhood is sitting at the dining room table with my paternal grandparents, enjoying freshly brewed hot tea in the afternoon and noshing on snacks. It was their version of high tea that I’ve always treasured, nibbling on crackers and listening to the adults share stories. My mother’s family was…