The Night Before

OK, well technically the first day, but if I haven't gone to sleep yet, it doesn't count right? Actually this is the first chance I have had to sit down today. Now, were it a month or two ago, I would be stressing about this and probably also about the long day of work I just had, but that is not at all the case tonight.

See, it was only about a month or two ago, after I got pneumonia, that I decided to slow down. Something just clicked and I decided that I needed to start being better to myself. Giving myself gifts; enjoying my life more. I started getting enough sleep and taking time to do fun things--like watching movies, relaxing and hanging out with friends instead of always tending to the endless piles of homework that sit on my kitchen table. We all know that pile, and it never seems to be depleting. It's not that I don't want to work hard, because I don't think I could (or should) ever give that up, but just that I stopped basing my worth solely on the work I was doing. I decided that who I am and how happy I am count too. That was a really long way of saying that yes, I did work today but I also had a lot of fun and enjoyed the beautiful weather and a beautiful friend's company today. I can't imagine a more perfect day to get me in the mood for gift giving.

I am so very excited about 29 days of gift giving and also to be doing this with my wonderful friend, Sandra. And, as I am sure at least some of you know, this girl is incredible. She makes me smile and never fails to inspire me. I'm grateful to be able to share this experience with her and with you. I will try not to over think it and truly just have the experience. My goals are to make each and every gift meaningful, but also to allow them to sometimes be spontaneous. I also hope to give gifts to at least three strangers during this journey. Most importantly, I hope to touch a few lives--at least momentarily--and to learn something. I mean, what else is life really about?

Best of wishes.
Kelly