Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Go-Giver


Yesterday, if it could break, it broke... if it could freeze, it froze... if it could spill or mess or interrupt my work or tick me off, it did just that... and I was on a tear.  Not sure what came first, the chicken or the egg, if my mood was the cause or the result of all the chaos or misfortune... but it sure did not further endear me to my loved ones.  Or myself, for that matter.

Something needed to be done to change my attitude, and quick, before I further spiraled into self-destruction, alienated every one of my family and friends, and consumed an entire box of something chocolate. 

So I took the night off.

Now, I'm not sure about other people, but while I have fanciful ideas about getting all my work done by 5pm, enjoying a peaceful home-cooked meal with my family, and then relaxing by the fire with a good book or an enjoyable project of some sort while watching my children play.... its usually just that.  A fanciful idea.  I seem to always find myself doing laundry, making one last trip to the barn, catching up on cleaning or correspondence or... well, you get the idea.   And to be honest, I'm finding its not a very good idea, not at all.

But last night, I gave myself a gift, without even knowing it.  I took the night off (more out of exasperation and desperation, if truth be told), and picked up a little book recommended by HeatherO called the "The Go-Giver".  Read it cover to cover.  I consumed it, devoured it, immersed myself in it... and was profoundly rewarded by the ideas found inside. 

In short, giving myself that gift of time and the permission to read this book was not only a gift to me, but all those around me.

That is all I will say, other than *GET YOUR HANDS ON A COPY OF THIS BOOK AND READ IT*.

Thank you. :-) 

6 comments:

Heidi Mann said...

Amy, thank you for the reminder that we women do need to take time for ourselves sometimes. I have not heard of this book, but now you definitely have me curious.

You write very well already, but if my proofreading and editing services can be a resource to you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Heidi Mann

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for the nice comment and the offer of your services, Heidi! It would be my pleasure to work with you.

One of the neat things about this book was that is spoke of how necessary it is to not only give, but also graciously *receive*. I think we women sometimes deny ourselves even the most simple of pleasures and gifts out of some misguided sense of duty or responsibility. How sad! How much more productive and *giving* could we be if we were rested, healthy, relaxed??? :-) Even if we were not productive, there is still something to be said for being "rested, healthy and relaxed"... LOL

Amy

Unknown said...

Hi Amy,

I love what you said at the end there! It is indeed a gift you gave yourself, that time of peace and focus, and in the process, it became a gift for others, too. Great application of the Law of Receptivity!

I'm honored to read your words about our little book — many thanks.

John

Bob Burg said...

Hi Amy,

Thank you so much for your kind words about John David Mann's and my book. And HeatherO's referral is very appreciated.

I read your bio. You are amazing. I won't even ask how you manage to "wear so many hats."

Did I mention the word, "amazing?" :-)

Amy, thank you so much again!!

Bob

Unknown said...

John and Bob,

Your book "The Go-Giver" is profound and affected me deeply.

I could not let the opportunity pass to share it with as many people as possible. The laws and ideas contained therein are still sinking in, and I cannot wait to read it again!

That you both would take the time to read my blog post and leave such kind and encouraging notes honors me greatly. Thank you both, so very much, for such kindness and generosity of spirit... and for sharing "The Go-Giver" with the world.

Amy

Heather O said...

I'm so glad that you liked it AND took the time to share it! You are clearly a 'natural born Go-Giver'!

You are so right! It's funny actually, I was 'writing a post' in my head on the way home today about how we think of so many things as 'luxuries'. We not only minimize our value in doing so, but the value of making ourselves feel good so that we can share that with others!
It's like the book says, in order to exhale, you must first inhale! :)