Awesome Stories 298 – A Season of Giving

/ December 17, 2016

This week Awesome Stories celebrates the joys of giving with music, snowflakes, secret gifts and sacred space.

Snowflake Dreamssnowflake photography, Awesome Stories

Photographer Alexey Kljatov has a passion for photographing and sharing the beauty of snowflakes. Like Alexey, I’m in awe of snowflakes and their unique formations and passing beauty. Thankfully, Alexey has perfected his technique and shares the process of snowflake photography in this blog post. Enjoy the simple gift of nature’s beautiful design in snowflakes.

Anonymous Giving

I’ve had fun and warmed my heart by giving anonymously, but these folks take their roles much more seriously. B. Virdot gave out $5 to anyone who asked during the Great Depression in Canton, OH. More recently, Laura Miller has been secretly giving gifts to people in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s kindness as “Secret Agent L” has inspired others, growing to a team of 80 Secret Agents spreading gifts and kindness around the country. For more inspiration, read these stories of Secret Santas, giving kindness, gifts, muffins and other anonymous gifts.

Harmony Project

Harmony Project uses music to improve the lives of children and communities. It started in Los Angeles, CA to help children from low-income families stay in school. They found that music could be used to improve creativity, confidence, and teamwork. I love their mission to build healthier communities by investing in the positive development of children through music. Harmony Project gives the students instruments, lessons, orchestras, and concerts to perform. By building patience, persistence, and focus, the kids are developing skills that will serve them in school and life. Give the gift of music.

Holding Sacred Space

People are hungry to feel they are connected, matter, and belong.  ~ musebrad

Especially during holidays, many people struggle with feelings of loneliness, hungering for connection, belonging and a sense of direction. If you’re lucky, you have friends or family who notice and reach out to offer a hug, smile or simple acceptance. These simple acts of kindness often matter much more than we would imagine. Words (like all the beautiful encouragement and support that I received on my recent post called The Messy Truth) can go a long way toward consoling a weary soul. It also helps to be willing to share our human troubles, concerns, and failings. And finally, remember to count your blessings for the good you have in your life. As many of you reminded me, I have much to be thankful for; friends who care, my health, a sensitive soul and this wonderful blogging community who apparently find value in my posts. Thank You! And beyond acts of kindness, the gift of acceptance can be life changing. Next time you notice someone who is hurting please consider offering them the gift of presence that accepts and blesses by holding sacred space for them to be as they need to be.

Please consider giving your presence this holiday season. Thank you for blessing my life, Brad 

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22 thoughts on “Awesome Stories 298 – A Season of Giving”

  1. I keep thinking how I’d like to be a Santa this year. 🙂 There’s a 94 year old woman on our road that I don’t often visit because I work entirely too much (she’s still asleep when I leave in the mornings and in bed by the time I get home), but during my break, I want to do something for her – so the stories like the one you shared are pretty awesome and inspiring.
    In any case, thank you for your awesome stories! 🙂

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    • Wonderful idea Cynthia. 🙂 I bet she would be tickled to have a neighbor playing Santa come visit. Now, you’ve inspired me to do something fun and/or service this year. I’m glad you enjoy the stories. Merry, Merry…

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  2. One of my favorite “awesome” stories for this week is the snowflake dreams photography. Like a snowflake, we are all unique as human beings. It’s only when we take the time to look closely (like a snowflake) that we see and appreciate those special characteristics of each “snowflake”.

    That leads me to my favorite “awesome” story of the week. It’s the last paragraph of your post. Regardless of the time of year, we all long for connection as human beings. But, I do agree with you that desire is amplified around the holiday season. Although I have been less active in reading and commenting on your blog over the last several months, every time I do visit reminds me just how much kindness, compassion, and authentic emotions shines through your thoughts, actions, and words.

    Thanks for your continued inspiration and the very best wishes for a joyous, loving, and peaceful holiday season, my friend 🙂

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    • You’re most welcome Dave, and thanks for your insightful comments. I’ve missed your presence and comments. Hearing that authenticity, kindness and compassion shine through means I’m on track with my intentions. I love your snowflake reflections, another unique expression of you. 🙂

      May your holidays be filled with peace, love and joy.

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