Short description
Tells the story of the author's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and how a healer's unusual prescription of mindful altruism - to 'give away 29 gifts in 29 days' - ignited her energy, her happiness, and invited more abundance into her life.
Long description
This is the powerful story of the author's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and how a healer's unusual prescription of mindful altruism - to 'give away 29 gifts in 29 days' - ignited her energy, her happiness, and invited more abundance into her life. At age 35, Cami Walker was burdened by a newly intense struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic neurological disease that was leaving her unable to walk, work, relate to others, or enjoy her life. Depressed after being hospitalized several times in just a few months, she received an uncommon 'prescription' from an African healer. The remedy? Give away 29 things to others in 29 days. The gifts could be anything, but one should be something she felt was scarce in her life or she couldn't live without. 'By giving', Mbali told her, 'you are focusing on what you have to offer others...inviting more abundance into your life. Giving of any kind begins the process of change and will shift your energy for life'. Indeed, Walker was amazed by the wonderful physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that manifested during her 29-day giving journey. Many gifts Walker gave to others were simple-a phone call, spare change, a Kleenex. But the acts were transformative. By Day 29, Walker's health and happiness had improved dramatically and she had created a worldwide giving movement. 29 Gifts is the inspiring, insightful tale of the author's life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. The book also includes a section of short personal essays from other community members who have seen their lives change for the better by taking Walker's 29-Day Giving Challenge. Finally, 29 Gifts includes several journal pages with giving suggestions and writing prompts, introduced by Mbali Creazzo, to encourage the reader to keep a record of their own 29 days of kindness in the book. More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of giving can alter your outlook on the world-and make you a happier person.
Review
Publisher's Weekly, 9/7
Glimpses into Walker's day-to-day difficulties...crop up among the stories of her daily gifts, grounding the work in personal details...An admirable reworking of The Secret (in that it should actually help someone, at least gift recipients).
Blogcritics.org, 9/25
It reminded me a lot of Michael J Fox's book, since it was more about the journey rather than the author... 29 Gifts is a great read. The author's tone throughout the book is extremely friendly and upbeat, even while recounting her darkest moments...This is the practical component of The Secret. .. One of the many things I found great about this book is that while it exudes positivism, the author, Cami Walker, is a realist...The relative simplicity of the 29 gifts movement is refreshing...A fantastic book.
Boston Globe, 10/4
Walker's a plucky writer, and it's hard not to be inspired by her story...Can '29 Gifts' work? Well, at the very least, it makes you more aware of the good in your life, and it shifts the focus from yourself to others.
Deseret News UT, 10/10
29 Gifts stands out among other 'inspirational' books because Walker doesn't hold back. She describes her disease and symptoms in vivid detail. And it's that bravery which makes the process ring true. Following Walker's journey, one realizes that most of us give many little gifts each day. But without the right mindset, they seem like little tasks instead...Read all at once or at leisure, 29 Gifts is worth your time. Not only does it put a face on MS, it puts a face on perceptions and the power of the mind to overcome adversity.
InfoDad.com, 10/29/09
It's all very uplifting, potentially of genuine value in teaching people to look outside themselves and the daily grind of their lives.
Library Journal, 11/15/09
Walker presents a story that gets to the core of the emotional pain and loneliness that people feel when suffering from a serious dis