Metro

No money? There still are ways to give

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2009

Don't have any extra cash but want to participate in the 29 Gifts giving campaign? A reader on www.29Gifts.org offered these eight ideas.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING

But you must REALLY listen.

No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.

Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on

the back and hand-holds.

Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny greetings.

Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.

A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT

A simple and sincere "You look great in red,"

"You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

Helping an elderly person cross the road can be nice.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.

Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really it's not that hard to say "hello" or "thank you."

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles

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