Day 8 – The gift of life

Today’s affirmation:

Today I give with creativity.

I chose today’s affirmation, because I wanted to think outside the box with regard to what to give.

Be careful what you ask for.

I got a bbm message from a friend of a friend, asking for a blood donation for another friend. I didn’t know the guy, but I knew the friend and I decided that today’s gift would be the donation of blood.

Now I absolutely hate the actual process of being stuck with the needle. I hate needles! It’s an exercise in strength every time I give blood. 10 years in, I still have to look away, when the needle goes in. I think about happy things, practice some Yoga breathing; anything to get my mind off of the needle going into my arm.

Like I said I’ve been a donor for a decade, and yes I have blood in the “bank” and could just simply make a withdrawal. But, I prefer to keep what’s inside already for my immediate family and close friends. If someone I don’t know needs blood, as long as I can give it, I prefer to make the actual donation.

So today, I went up to the Blood Bank, located on Charlotte Street which is about four blocks away from my office. The walk, got my blood pumping, by the time I was finished with the preliminary assessments, I was more than ready to go.

And then it was time. Look away Vernette. Deep breath in. Hold for 3 counts, exhale for 3 counts. Deep breath in…yup the needle is in. Hold for a count of 3, Exhale for 3. Remember to squeeze the squishy ball, every 10 secs or so.

My inner dialogue was interrupted by a nurse sitting next to me. We got to talking; I think she struck up a convo initially to get my mind off of what was happening. Yes people, I don’t keep it a secret that the whole thing is an ordeal for me. So, I began sharing with her my 29-gift journey. Explaining to her how it all started and how my journey led me to the Blood Bank today. She asked, eventually for my blog address, and I do hope if she remembers to look for it, that she reads this and is inspired to do her own 29-gifts.

The gift of life…sounds so dramatic, but blood really is our life source. And I am humbled that on the day I asked the Universe for some creative “help” in giving, that what came my way, was giving of self in the most personal yet creative way possible.

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