[Book Review]: "29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life"

© Michelle Chan

This autobiographical narrative by Cami Walker gives you a glimpse of what it is like for an individual to live with a life-altering illness. In this case, the author, Walker, was unexpectedly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her adult life. She candidly discussed how her illness not only affected her physical health, but also caused her emotional turmoil and created a strained relationship with her husband.

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After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Walker reached out to an old friend. It was then that her friend suggested she focus not so much within, but instead put her focus on others. Walker's friend told her about the 29-day challenge, where she was to give 29 gifts for 29 consecutive days. The book chronicles Walker's experiences as she consciously chooses to give gifts (i.e. positive thoughts, time, money, donation, etc.) to others. It was while being on this path to helping others, that Walker began to obtain the strength she needed to accept and work through her own personal challenges.

This book serves as a great reminder to us all that while we all go through difficult times,  it is important to take a step back and take things into perspective. Maybe sometimes, it is only through helping others that we are then able to help ourselves.