This is not what I’d planned for my next post. In fact, I hadn’t scheduled a Hump Day post at all. But then my inbox gave me this gem, which arrived just in time to help me over a hump I’d been struggling with on another writing project. Don’t you just love when things happen at the exact right time?

Here’s what I was given — shared with me courtesy of Poets.org:

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Give-Away Song
By Gwen Westerman

This is my give-away—
            not because I don’t want
                  it anymore,
            not because it’s out of
                  style or
                broken or
                useless since it lost
                its lid or one of its buttons,
            not because I don’t understand
                the “value” of things.
This is my give-away—
            because I have enough
                  to share with you
            because I have been given
                  so much
                    health love happiness
                    pain sorrow fear
            to share from the heart
            in a world where words can be
            meaningless when they come
            only from the head.
This is my give-away—
            to touch what is good in you
            with words your heart can hear
            like ripples from a pebble
            dropped in water
            moving outward growing
            wider touching others.
            You are strong.
            You are kind.
            You are beautiful.
This is my give-away.
     Wopida ye.   
          Wopida ye.
                Wopida ye.

Copyright © 2021 by Gwen Westerman. Originally published in Poem-a-Day on July 26, 2021, by the Academy of American Poets.

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“‘Give-Away Song’ honors our Dakota value of generosity and sharing whatever we have with those around us. This poem is also a response to the missionaries and Indian agents who often reported that our ancestors did not know the value of things that the government provided them—blankets, flour, meat, food, tools, other supplies—and that when those goods were distributed, the people would immediately share with others who did not have as much as they did. But I think our ancestors did know exactly the value of things and that value only comes when you can share.”
—Gwen Westerman

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“Value only comes when you can share.” I’ve been trying to put into words the value-added of living an authentic life. A life that’s true to who you really are, and that boldly and unapologetically radiates your personal authenticity. In journaling about this as a memoir exercise, I kept coming back to the need for courageous openness and unrestrained curiosity, and the willingness to examine and generously share raw pieces of self under a probing, unfiltered lens. But what is the value?

The value is in the giving. The sharing of true self — the good, but especially the bad — with others. In giving away pieces of our hopes, choices, accomplishments, failures, and struggles by revealing and sharing them openly, we’re able to touch others with the heart, not only the head. Others who may find inspiration, comfort, or even redemption through our giving. The sharing of authenticity can have value in the lives of others, and it can add meaning to our own life in return.

How many times have bloggers here shared bare parts of their authentic lives, giving hope and voice to others in need of connection or inspiration? I know I have benefitted from many who share here, as they touch what is good in us with words our hearts can hear. And I know when I share I feel a greater sense of purpose and value. Giving away unfiltered glimpses into my journey to create an authentic life somehow makes that journey and life feel more meaningful… more… complete?

“This is my give-away—
 to touch what is good in you
 with words your heart can hear
 like ripples from a pebble
 dropped in water
 moving outward growing
 wider touching others.”

Gwen Westerman

This blog — published for the first time six months ago next week, for my 61st birthday — is a raw piece of my authentic self. As a recovering social media-avoider, I was uncomfortable with and afraid of being judged for such a public sharing from my heart and head. It is my give-away, and I have been humbled and moved by the tiniest ripples touching others. Thank you for accepting what I’m sharing and, in the process, giving value and meaning to my journey. I’m becoming bolder and more courageous because of you. That’s the power of giving away — it can nurture one end while nourishing the other.

What give-aways are you sharing, and how has the giving added value and meaning for you?

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Our regularly scheduled programming will return with Friday’s post.

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Poetry Source Credit: https://poets.org/poem/give-away-song

All images from thehotgoddess.com retired_rewired_inspired.

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