Give and Share Love

I've been slacking on the gifts lately. The past few days have been pretty crazy for me, and I've not pushed myself to write or take time to exercise as I should be. However, I have decided to quit something that is hurting me more than helping me, and hope this will increase my energy and make me more active. I'm looking forward to being more productive!

Sometimes, actually a lot of times, people are so kind as to give to me. There are many ways to give to someone, as I've discovered and have explored more recently. Material gifts can say and mean a lot, depending on the relationship with the person and the gift itself. I' had trouble with a family member in the past years, which was troubling and painful, and I prayed for it to be resolved. When I came into contact with that family member recently, I decided it was best to act normal and just give the greatest gift: Love. So I did. And what I got in return was wonderful, unconditional love. I didn't expect it, and was surprised and felt how strong family love is. When I said "I love you" to this person as I was leaving, they looked at me with an expression of surprise, and returned the phrase. Although they were surprised, I could see how happy they were.

And I meant it. I do love that person, and I think its silly and selfish for me to keep that to myself when I can be sharing it with them. After all, Love is truly the greatest gift anyone can give!

Now that's something right there. The gift of love. When you decide to give your love to someone, you have to do it with no stipulations, or else it can't be genuine. Giving love is often difficult, as the emotion is so strong it feels as though it will eat you if its kept to yourself, or you risk the possibility of not having it returned once you give it. That's the thing, though. You can't give love expecting and asking for it in return. You just have to love them for all the reasons you love them, and let them have that love.

Of course, there are times when people stomp on you, manipulate you and take advantage of your love. I've heard people say, and have said myself, that you're wasting your time, energy and emotions on people who do this. In a way I'd say I still believe this, but then again I feel when you love people who are willing and continually hurting you, then you are not loving  yourself, which is most important. If you can give your love to someone with no conditions or expectations, then you have to just leave it as that. Love for them, love for the sake of being love, something wonderful and powerful and joyous to have and to give. Right?

Please, share your thoughts! Oh, and spread the love :-)

2010 Goals and Taking Steps

So today I read over the 29 gifts website a bit (www.29gifts.org), and was reading about being mindful of giving to others each day. Having this on me early in the morning, I set out thinking about ways to give to someone without 1.costing me money (my finances don't lend me the luxury) or 2.making an effort so big that its false. So, I let my day unfold fairly naturally, all the while keeping my eyes open for an opportunity for me to give. I finally had the chance when I was getting into my car after dance class tonight in West Hollywood. My car was parked in a great spot right off of Santa Monica Blvd, and at the time I was leaving class about 7, it was nearly impossible to find a spot. A woman shouted to me as I was getting in my car, asking if I would wait to leave so she could take my spot. I almost didn't hear her, but stopped myself to gather what she was asking before saying "yes" and waiting for her to pull up next to me. A perfect opportunity to give a stranger the coveted spot. Maybe it was a small gift, but it was still a gift!

Thats something to think about. The size of the gift. The size doesn't really matter, its the process of giving that is the true focus. On the site 29 gifts, founder Cami Walker says you can give away anything you want. Something as small and simple as a smile, as long as it comes from an authentic place of wanting to give.

For myself, today I began my first ballroom dance lesson! I got a scholarship for a month of dance classes, learning dances like the basic waltz, salsa, tango, flamenco and so on. I'm so excited! I love dancing and have always wanted to learn the spicier side of it. It was definitely a way to better myself, as I got my body moving and working and had some fun.

I'd like to share my list of goals for the year. I think writing down goals is important, at least for me, and definitely effective. If you have them in front of you constantly, you are always reminded of them and make more of a conscious effort to achieve them, even if you take baby steps to get there. Also, that way you have the satisfaction of crossing them off when you accomplish one! So I made myself a list of things I want to accomplish, do, or acquire in 2010 and here they are (in no particular order):

- Publish a poem in a literary journal/magazine
- Get a commerical agent
- Be able to run 2 miles without stopping
- Be able to do 25 full pushups (in a row!)
- Pay back a friend :-)
- Pay off my credit card bill
- Start comedy troupe
- Learn my favorite Chopin piece onthe piano
- Write a musical

Some of these things may seem silly to you, like running 2 miles or 25 pushups or writing a musical, but they are things I want to do for me that I've struggled with or have been meaning to do and I know this is the year I can and WILL succeed with them.

I'd love to hear your goals and the things you do for yourself and for others to better you and the world.

Much love!