Totally burned out, my schedule had me up at 4:00am pounding away at a computer until 1:00am. My health deteriorated day after day. 

The madness that had been created by my boss around doing more, more, and still more led to multiple complete breakdowns.

I'd sit at my computer and cry, as I didn't know what to do or how to get myself out of the situation.

The corporate world sucked the life out of me and what kept me going was the almighty dollar. My paycheck had more than doubled since my days as a police officer and working in state government.

My soul slowly withered away. And yet a glimmer of light began to appear.

Almost four months into my giving journey, I became the receiver and it clicked with me how important it is to show up for people, to notice their pain, and struggles and be stretched in your giving.

I felt the power of giving and the difference it can make in one's life.

When I do Q&A after a talk, people often ask, "What's the best gift you have received?"

Hands down, it's the day my doorbell rang and haggard, still in my pjs, dazed and confused, I opened the door to see my five-year old niece. 

"Surprise! I took the bus!" She stated.

I probably scared her when I immediately started sobbing. The weight of my exhaustion seeped out my eyes, and down my face.

I peeked out the door and there were my mom and sister. 

They knew I needed a break, but I wouldn't give myself one. An intervention of sorts.

I showered, got ready, and we headed out for a fabulous girl's day.

Even after all these years, I'll never forget the sacrifice of time they made (I'm four hours away) and they gift they gave. 

Take an inventory of the people in your life. Who needs a break? Who can you show up for and give a bit of your time? You'll never know the difference you'll make. Go out and give the gift of time today!

Stephanie L. Jones

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

Not all Valentine's Days are rosy. 

As I sat at a Cracker Barrel, working on my first fiction book, I couldn't help but notice how attentive and kind my waitress had been.

I dug into my wallet and glanced at the $20 and $50 bill in the pocket. My bill total was only $9 so my first inclination was to leave a $20 tip. That was more than enough. But I got the tug. It's the little nudge that tells me to reach out, connect, and give a little more. 

I usually leave these gifts anonymously, but when my waitress checked in on me, I again, got the nudge that I should personally give her this gift. I said, "Happy Valentine's Day" and handed her the $50.

Immediately, tears streamed down her face.

"You don't know how much I need this. Thank you so much."

I stood and asked, "May I give you a hug?"

And there in the middle of the Cracker Barrel, with the fire crackling in the background, we embraced.

"My daughter is on drugs and I'm taking care of her ten-year-old son. Please pray for her."

"What's her name?"

She gave it to me.

As she continued to cry, she shared how she didn't want to get out of bed today and come to work, but she knew she needed to put food on the table for her grandson.

We chatted a bit more as she continued to wipe the tears from her eyes.

She had to get back to her other tables and all I could think about is how grateful I was to have followed the tug on my heartstrings. 

A series of events led me to be at this Cracker Barrel at just that moment and I whole heartly believe God orchestrated me being there. He knows our needs and sends angels on earth to respond.

This is the giving challenge in action. It is my prayer, that you pray for this family and the next time you get the tug on your heart to give, step out in faith. You may just be an angel God has sent to bring hope to someone in need. 

Blessings,

Stephanie L. Jones

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

P.S. I rarely share the amount of my gifts. But today I felt it was important because this gift stretched me. I'm 100% confident if I'd only given her the $20 she would not have reacted the way she did and shared her struggles. The next time you feel you need to stretch your gift, go for it. I've never regretted, or missed, the money/time I've given. 

November 30th is just around the corner and that day marks Giving Tuesday. A day for us to donate our money to our favorite nonprofits.

I also like to use this day as a reminder to make every Tuesday a giving Tuesday!

I've created tags for you to download, write a note, attach to a small gift, and give away.  

Every year I do this, I'm so giddy with all the smiles, gratitude, and joy these small unexpected gifts bring. 

I carry them in my purse and my car. I give them to strangers, those in the drive-through, and friends I'm meeting for coffee. It's always good to give to someone unexpectantly!

Download your tags today and get your jump start on celebrating Giving Tuesday!

Several years ago, I made this video to give you some ideas for using your tags. Enjoy!

Bonus points if you share the email/links and get more people involved!

Happy Giving,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

Happy World Kindness Week! Here are 33 ways for us to celebrate this week that are focused on being kind and making a difference to those that cross our path. How many ways can you be kind this week?

1. Introduce yourself to someone new at work and discover one thing you have in common.
2. Snuggle with a loved one.
3. Share an inspiring song with a friend going through a difficult time.
4. If you receive a gift, express great joy and gratitude.
5. Surprise the delivery person with a box of chocolates.
6. Support a friend pursuing their dream.
7. Text a note of encouragement.
8. Share a motivating quote on social media.
9. Make a favorite snack for everyone to enjoy while watching football.
10. Invite a friend to dinner.
11. Send your best marriage advice to a newlyweds.
12. Leave a sticky note of positivity for a stranger to find.
13. Snag a loved one and watch the sunset.
14. Treat a friend to ice cream.
15. See someone going above and beyond? Acknowledge their efforts.
16. Donate to a fundraiser.
17. Jump in leaves with a child.
18. Support a local bookstore or author.
19. Taking a hike and pick up litter.
20. Plant a tree.
21. Offer to babysit for a friend/neighbor.
22. Write a good memory and share it with a friend/family member.
23. Spend uninterrupted time with your family.
24. Gather a group of friends for a night of fun.
25. Give a hug.
26. Donate a Bible.
27. Support your church/pastor/staff.
28. Celebrate a birthday.
29. Bake a sweet treat and share with friends/family.
30. Buy matching pajamas for the family to enjoy.
31. Smile at everyone that crosses your path.
32. Thank a Veteran.
33. Meet a friend for coffee.

Let's do our part to spread lots of kindness this and every week!

Happy Giving,

Stephanie L. Jones

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

Well, friends, I've spent the last two weeks packing, moving, and unpacking. I could write an entire book on all the lessons I learned during this move and settling into a new home. But one big lesson that stuck out like a sore thumb was all the "stuff" I was holding onto. I realized all this stuff could often prevent us from moving forward in life.

I didn't want to leave my current home because of all the work we had put into it. The trails I had created in the woods and all the joy it brought me to see deer wandering in the backyard.

But what I realized is, our work there was done. We needed to move if we wanted to step into a new phase of our life, my husband expanding his business, and me having a dedicated space for all my books and retreats. 

If we don't move, we can't move forward. We'd only keep on, keeping on, doing what we've been doing. And sometimes that is not bad. But it doesn't work if you feel God calling you to take a step of faith, and then you aren't obedient. 

And guess what, I discovered I'll have access to trails here and I saw a doe and twin fawns my first morning in our new place. We'll never know that we might get something better, if we stay where we are. 

I also learned I hold onto material items. If you were to walk into my home, you wouldn't notice, but open any closet, and there you'd find piles of books, pictures, and journals. I had journals from a company I don't even work for. Why would I need them? Good question, I wouldn't. Into the garbage can they went.

Pictures in frames that had sat out in the garage for three years. Friends, if we have stuff in the garage/cabinet/closet that we haven't used in three years, it's time to find a new home. And I don't mean from the garage to a closet. I mean, gift it to a friend who needs frames (I write about this in The Giving Challenge), donate them to a resale shop, or toss them in the trash if they are broken.

You can insert frames for any other item in your house that is taking up space, cluttering your home, and mentally draining you. I've loaded up two trucks full of stuff and donated items. It feels so good to begin fresh in a home without the weight of old items that don't have any meaning.

Speaking of meaning, what about the items that have a memory or recognition tied to them? Snap a picture. I finally pitched all my awards and plaques from my last two jobs. All they do is collect dust and take up space. They match no d cor. And guess what? As soon as they hit the trash, I forgot about them. For years I've been hauling them around, well, not anymore. 

Walk around your home and see what is taking up space and holding you back from moving forward. Believe it or not, physical clutter creates mental clutter, and when we have mental clutter, we are less focused and motivated to move forward and work on what's essential in life. 

What will you toss today to help you move forward?

Blessings,

Stephanie L. Jones

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

Friends, I don't know about you, but I see negativity, division, and sometimes downright hatefulness everywhere I turn on social media.

Here at Giving Gal, we focus on ways to give your best life through giving (to others and yourself), practicing gratitude, and pursuing goals and the calling God laid on your heart.

Now is our time, not only to speak words of kindness but to show it through our actions. Jump in and join me for the 3rd Annual Summer Giving Challenge!

It's easy; sign up here, and we'll email you a fun packet of goodies you can download, along with emailing you daily challenges. There is also a bonus with content for children.

The gifts are simple, don't cost a lot of money or time, but will make this a world a better place and do some good for your soul.

Click here to join now!

We are launching on July 25. What better way to end July than a week of giving?!

I look forward to going on the Summer Giving Challenge adventure with you.

Forward this email and challenge your friends and coworkers to get involved. Let's make this a summer of giving!

With gratitude,
Stephanie

Friends, if you don't follow me on social media, you missed that I spent the better part of last week in the hospital. I share all the details on my latest podcast episode, check it out.

But while in the hospital, as I tried not to focus on all that was going on with my body, I focused on ways I could give to those that were serving me. 

Next time you are going through a tough time, here are four ways you can give:

1) Show grace towards those who serve you. I had an EMT that blew not one, but two veins while he tried to get the IV in my arm. He brought in a nurse, and she blew a third vein. Both were extremely frustrated with themselves. I decided instead of adding insult to injury, literally, I would show them grace. 

2) Share gratitude with everyone. From the lady that mopped my floor and cleaned the toilet, to the nurse, the guy who delivered my meals, to the doctor, I asked everyone their name, asked them about their day, and showed my gratitude. If they came in my room ten times, I thanked them each time for the job they were doing. 

3) Pray for those around you. The lady in the room next to me often cried out in pain and for help. When she yelled, I said a prayer for her. I prayed for the doctors and nurses responding to her that they could help ease her pain.

4) Make an unlikely friend by striking up a conversation. I cannot tell you how easy it is to make a connection with someone by just asking them their name. This simple question, led to more in-depth conversations, and for those who were around daily, we developed an unlikely friendship during my stay. 

I am still dealing with health issues. If you are the praying type, I would appreciate your prayers. 

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

When I started my giving journey, I titled my first blog, 1 Making a Difference. Why? Because I knew that every one of us has the power to make a difference.

I have always had this big crazy dream that if we all joined forces together to live the giving challenge, we would change the world.

You may think, "Stephanie, that is impossible. Get your head out of the clouds. There are too many problems in the world."

You are correct, there are many problems in the world, and we cannot solve them all. But what happens if we collectively live the giving challenge? We each commit to consistently, make an intentional effort to give each day?

What if we sacrifice a little time and/or resources? What difference would we make then?

Back in 2019, I launched The "Lent" Giving Challenge. It was fun, and many participated. Due to my travel schedule, I skipped 2020, but I'm feeling called to bring it back this year. 

Will you join me?

Will you forward this to a friend?

Will you commit to giving away something for 40 days?

I'm making participating super easy. Sign-up here, download the resources and check your email each day for your challenge.  

The challenge is just a suggestion; you can do what was sent, save it for another day, or come up with your own challenge. 

Like I said in my TEDx talk, can you imagine if just 250 people took the challenge for 40 days? That would be 10,000 intentional acts of giving. WOW!!!  

How could that not make a dent in changing the world together?

I may be na ve, but I'll never stop working on challenging and encouraging others to stretch themselves in giving, gratitude, and goals. Will you join me?

With gratitude,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”