Seven
Simple Gifts -
Not Easy to Give, Splendid to Receive
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
In celebration of the 10th anniversary year of this
newsletter, I have selected articles from over a
hundred issues written since 2003 to highlight in
the last months of 2013. In the last of this
series, I am so happy this month to revisit the
article I wrote for the December issue of 2011,
Seven Simple Gifts. While we would not likely
revisit the suggestions of advertisers from two
years ago in attempting to respond to the wish lists
of our loved ones today, as you will see, the gifts
I am lauding and encouraging in this article will
never go out of style and are always in stock. If
anything, the need for these gifts grows greater
over time, not less, and hopefully, so does our
capacity to extend them.
Ironically, I had chosen this article before
receiving the news of Nelson Mandela's passing.
Clearly the world has lost an amazing person, the
likes of which we are not likely to see again in our
lifetime. And while we may never have met him in
person or had the privilege of shaking his hand, I
know I am not alone in feeling deeply saddened by
his passing, not unlike losing a comrade or a
friend. Among other things, he had the rare gift
and sheer force of spirit to reach across nations
and beyond borders to speak directly to the hearts
and minds of his fellow human beings, reminding us
that we are one global family privileged to share
and care for this precious earth. Nelson Mandela
affirmed and modeled the best of humanity, espousing
by example his belief that, "Man's goodness is a
flame that can be hidden but never extinguished."
In perusing this month's article, it struck me what
a shining example, dare I say ambassador, Nelson
Mandela was of several of these seven simple gifts,
particularly that of visibility, forgiveness, giving
people the benefit of the doubt, and kindness. And
so, it is with a humble heart and the deepest of
bows, that I dedicate this month's article to this
exemplary statesman, honorable teacher, and beloved
friend to humanity. May we honor his life by taking
his heed of his advice – to fully ignite the fiery
flame of goodness in each of us, sharing our unique
light and love with the world.
With warmest wishes to you and yours,
~ Denise
You can read Denise’s new article, in PDF format:
Seven
Simple Gifts -
Not Easy to Give, Splendid to Receive
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article!
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Livelihood Newsletter.
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