I started my day with the meditation, "Today I give with peace." I didn't know what my gift would be for the day, but I remained open to the opportunity to present itself when the time came. Before an opportunity even came up, I had already been the recipient of a gift.
When I left the house for work, I thought I had grabbed $2 in quarters to get myself a couple of Diet Peach Snapple iced teas on the way to work. Because I'm trying to watch my caloric intake and exercise more, I like to treat myself to something that is good for me but tastes like it a true treat. I knew that the convenience store on the way to work was having a special: 2 for $2. I brought my two bottles to the register and when I pulled out the coins from my pocket, I was disappointed that I would have to put one of the iced teas back because I had actually grabbed 7 quarters and 1 dime. Only $1.85. When I told the girl at the register that I needed to put one back, she counted what I'd put on the counter, pulled out some pennies from a little cup, and then said, "You're all set. Have a great day." Oh my goodness! Just that little gift of 15 cents was amazing, especially because I knew it was going to be a hot day at work and having my favorite cold drink was so exciting (it really doesn't take much for me).
When I got to work, one of the residents was sad because she had misplaced her water bottle. I went to the fridge and got a bottle of water for her to take on her walk and she gave me such a big hug and told me I was her hero for the day. What a special gift that was...but then I turned around and my manager was behind me and gave me another hug. It was like the iced tea - a Two-fer!
I spent the next hour and a half making chocolate filled and chocolate dipped strawberries with the residents and then started on a beautiful art project we're working on to brighten up the activity room. While working on this activity, my manager came in and handed me a beautiful gift of notepaper and a matching pen and told me that it was a gift to show her appreciation of all that I do there. After the meeting we had the day before, I found myself having more enthusiasm for what I do each day I'm at work.
During my dinner break, I decided to take a walk for the last 20 minutes. Walking during my breaks is something I've been wanting to do and it was a beautiful late afternoon out. Not a cloud in the sky and a delightful breeze. As I walked, I told myself that this was my gift of peace for the day. I posted on my Facebook: "Taking a walk in the beautiful late afternoon sunshine during my break at work. The peace, solitude, birds chirping, and quiet reflection time are a gift to myself. To me, from me, because I love me. I know that's bad grammar at the end, but it's something that one of my friends said once and I've always loved it." When I got home, I posted, "I'm coming home from work with a peaceful heart. I was able to walk 2.1 miles this morning with the dogs and another 1.2 during my break at work. I've been eating really well and my self-control has been holding steady. I feel really good."
I'm so glad I gave this gift to myself. It's given me motivation to keep going with my health journey and my number on the scale this morning confirms it.