Was it tough to get into the gift-giving mindset initially?
Life is always hard and everyday starts out that way. The day the book launch started was the day my ex-husband moved out. Giving mindful gifts each day is a coping mechanism much like prayer, meditation or even reading self-help books. It is not intended to stress people out or add one more item to their to-do list. It is supposed to be a coping tool and give people hope who deal with anything hard.
What kind of toll did being chronically ill take on your relationships, career and identity? How have you transformed as a result of MS? As a result of 29 gifts?
I consider myself to be a recovering Type-A personality. Prior to being diagnosed with MS I was a creative director at a huge ad agency. MS has forced me to practice the art of pacing myself, which is tough because I am the kind of person who can’t stand canceling my commitments. I will show up to speaking engagements in a wheelchair if that’s what it takes.
Getting sick ruined relationships, a lot of friends drifted away. But it also introduced me to a new network of people. The 29 Gifts prescription changed me fundamentally forever. It was all about committing myself to something positive. Beyond the physical change that happened, I also had a better outlook on life. It changes your perspective of the world. The book itself has really helped caregivers realize the courage it takes for people with chronic illness just to get through the day. I don’t want people to get the impression that the 29 Gifts prescription miraculously cured my MS, because it hasn’t. But it has encouraged me to look beyond my limitations to see that I still have a lot to offer the world. It has given me a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
What does it mean to be a fashionable feminist in your field? How does your work empower women?
Although I don’t really consider myself a feminist, I think it’s all about being able to cope with what’s handed to you day by day, hour by hour with a little bit of grace and dignity. My only intention for the book was simply to share my story with others. Over two-thirds of MS sufferers are women, so the book ended up having the biggest impact on women.
I have always worked primarily with women in my consulting career. I have always been all about empowering women business owners.
I also want to give a HUGE thank you to my loyal 29 Gifts team, a network of amazing women who volunteer to make 29Gifts.org possible. I couldn’t do any of it without a team of loyal volunteers. I have a core group who has supported me from the beginning and I am so thankful for them.
What is the most memorable gift you’ve ever received from anyone?
I receive a lot of really cool stuff from fans. My favorite is always the art people create. The fact that they took the time and energy to create something especially for me means the world to me. I’ve also received a ton of great giving rocks and cards. I have a PO Box devoted to gifts and it averages out to be at least a card a day. The fact that thousands of people are out there thinking about me, praying about me, it really keeps me going.
What are five fabulous things about being you? What are you most thankful for in life?
My creativity and resourcefulness. I can create something out of nothing and have always had that innate ability.
My intelligence. Although MS can rob people of their cognitive abilities, I am thankful to still have my intelligence in tact.
My resilience. My life has been challenging on every level, long before getting struck with MS. In the past I have dealt with anxiety, depression and panic, but somehow I have always managed to cope and be a survivor.
My kindness. I have always been a kind, good-hearted person by nature and I’m glad I have been able to help people through their own struggles.
My honesty. Life’s too short to not say what I feel. I am also very trustworthy and trusting of others.
