Whether you believe in “the Universe” or just “coincidence,” have you ever had something happen, inexplicably, at just the right time, just when you needed it?

Living a dream life in Portugal for nearly four years? Yeah, that’s a result of intense planning and research, and intentional choices made to maximize the likelihood of success. But… there’s also chance, luck, happenstance, serendipity. The Universe? Maybe.

Whatever you believe, there’s no denying the transformative power of these random, unplanned gifts-from-out-of-the-blue. A version of the post below showed up in my notifications this week — right when I needed a reminder of the power of sharing, giving, and gratitude to pull me out of an auto-replay loop of negative self-talk about my self-perceived slow progress on various learning journeys. The original version, first published on THG in 2021, gave me the reset I needed this week. I hope you find something of value here too.

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This is not what I’d planned for my next post. In fact, I hadn’t scheduled a 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 a dream life. Living a best life — 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, I keep 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, the meaning, 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 blog — published for the first time in 2021 for my 61st birthday — is a raw piece of my authentic self. As a 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?

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Thank you for reading ❤️. May your weekend find you grateful and sharing with others.

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All images are my own.

The Hot Goddess

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