One of the best gifts I ever received was from a friend and former student.

And, it didn't cost a dime.

She dedicated a year of her life to me!  Fun, huh?  

Her gift was beautifully packaged and included a lovely handwritten note and thoughtful photographs. This student's gift was her priceless way of letting me know that I made a difference in her life.  She explained that, as she went about her year being her best self (shining), she would do it in honor of me.

You have heard me say it before, and at the risk of repeating myself, I will say it again.  I know a good idea when I see one and this is a great idea!

Dedicating a year to someone is a little like naming your year The Year of the Book, Year of Art, Year of Organization, or The Year of Yoga - an activity many House of Shine readers participated in earlier this year.  It is recognition that by focusing energy on a particular activity - or in this case attributes of a person - we can move toward becoming our best self.

Today marks the official beginning of my Round II Giving Challenge.  To get me started, I have decided to dedicate my month's efforts to a friend and former boss.  This woman is among the best bosses I have ever had.  She is smart and curious; supportive, but challenging; creative yet practical; and focused, but with a healthy dose of dreamer and risk taker.  She also happens to be the woman who introduced me to Cami Walker's book, 29 Gifts.  

I learned SO much about myself by participating in the 29 Day Giving Challenge the first time around (and failing!) that as I go through this process a second time around - smarter and more self-aware - I want to pay tribute to the educator responsible for my personal growth.  I intend to engage in Round Two curious to learn more, challenged to give in ways that don't come naturally, and focused on allowing the process to unfold as it may.  All things inspired by Kelly.

Gift One on Day One is my handwritten note to Kelly explaining that, for the next 29 days, each gift I consciously give will be with her in mind.  Somehow it feels like I just doubled my gift giving!

One more note about dedicating a year (or an experience) to someone.  Mother's Day is three days from now.  You could search high and low and spend a million dollars in the process.  I bet there isn't a gift she would love more.

Shining off until tomorrow...