The intention behind our giving and receiving is the most important thing. When the act of giving is joyful, when it is unconditional and from the heart, then the energy behind the giving increases many times over. But if we give grudgingly, there is no energy behind that giving. If we feel we have lost something through the act of giving, then the gift is not truly given and will not cause increase. -Deepak Chopra
I just turned 50 yesterday and it was a mix of emotions. I just lost my brother a couple months ago, so a song came on that made me think how short life is, for some even shorter and I broke down in tears. But, probably the hardest part of my birthday, my one and only child did not do one thing for me. I strive to live with such intention, so to hear her talk about not having time to write a card, my heart ached. For whatever reason, cards, words, the emotional ties that bind me to my people mean more than any gift I could ever receive. Especially the words and sentiments from those closest to me. Part of the day, I watched her jump on instagram, secretly hoping she was going to make a post about her love, care and appreciation she felt for her mom. Partially, because she had just done one for her Dad for Father’s Day. I kept waiting to get a loving text, a little note…something that said she cares. We have been struggling in our relationship, so I assumed she would especially take the time to do or say something because of how hard its been between us. The day ended with me lying in bed alone, crying at the degree in which she had no care for me on my one and only birthday. It broke my heart on some level.
On a BRIGHTER side….The 2 greatest gifts from the day: INTENTION. My sweet husband had orchestrated pale blue and white balloons to go along with a tiny typed quote that was held by a piece of drift wood. The whole idea: the sky and my love for it. The quote, “An awake heart is like a sky that pours light.” -Hafiz. He also left a vase of flowers & a “book about us” he had filled in. It was such a beautiful sentiment that my husband took the time to plan and create such an intentional gift. Thank you, love. xoxo
The other gift: A woman who inspires me daily. There is a woman in my neighborhood that we have been getting to know and she is a shining example of intentional giving. She has got to be in her late 70’s or 80’s. Not even sure, but she has the best attitude and always spreads love and light in all she does. Her and her sweet husband [they go by Patty Peace & Jack Joy] that is battling cancer are always running little gifts, notes, packages and dropping them off to various people in the neighborhood.
Every time I see a grocery bag left on the porch, I smile, “Patty!!” sings from my lips and I am excited to open the precious, intentional gift. The morning of my birthday I gently pulled out a cardboard shirt box that had flower stickers covering the top with tiny quotes that were handwritten. My heart smiled at the very sight of such care, time and intention that was put in. Curly ribbon is always a bright staple of this cute lady. I opened the box to find her usual kindness—little pieces of herself to share. A bandana with a tag & handwritten note that described the many uses of such an accessory. There were also a couple scarfs, some hair ties with plastic baubles—I instantly gave one to my daughter & we wore them as birthday bracelets. She always includes a tiny, pocket Kleenex and little notes of love, all neatly wrapped with individual pieces of colorful tissue paper. Everything done with such care.
It reminds me to always seek to be as intentional and mindful as Patty. To live in such a way that you shower others with gifts of intention and care. To slow down and take the time to write notes, to include quotes and sincere sentiments.
The next morning my husband and I were on a walk with our two dogs & who did we run into? Beautiful Patty. She lit up when she saw me wearing her gifted bandana. I had it wrapped and tied around my neck. She beamed and said, “Oh, you are wearing it! I love how you tied it. It is wonderful.” The tiny gesture, the little love exchanged was a gift to all of us.
We are gifts to one another’s lives. Life is in session and we must show up and present our best life with genuine intention. Thank you, Patty & Jack
PS my husband had a sweet talk with our daughter the next day & she broke down in tears. She knew she needed to be better & felt so bad that I had been so hurt. She secretly wrote me a VERY LOVING and HEARTFELT card & left it on my pillow the next night. It was a sweet surprise. It was also very needed. 😉 and appreciated. We must always remember to never give up on one another either.
xoxo Peace, Love and Light. THANKS for the INTENTIONAL LOVE. -H
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