I was unsure how I would help someone with their list of goals during a time when I am only really around two people (my parents). Then I remembered this truly lovely facebook community of which I am lucky to be a member.
It's a private group, so I can't share the name, but I can describe what we do. We're a group of about 300 people who find joy in giving gifts, so we share our Amazon Wish Lists and then, every now and then, we get surprised with a gift off our lists in the mail. Links to our lists are shared in a Google doc, and then every now and then someone will post requesting lists. Those requests might be more general, like, "I got paid today! Drop your lists!" or they might be more specific, like, "I have this nasty cold that just won't leave. If you've been struggling with constant illness, drop your lists and let me cheer you up!" or "I got a new kitten! If you have cat things, drop your lists so I can peruse things I need for my kitty and send you something too!"
Sometimes the group has even rallied together to buy more expensive items that someone really wishes they had (like kitchen appliances they've broken), Venmo'ed straight cash to someone in need of rent money, and gifts to kids for Christmas and birthdays when a parent was strapped. What really sealed my love for the group was when a parent didn't know what to tell their kid about where the birthday gifts came from and then decided the best lesson was to tell them they came from kind strangers and that it's always important to give when you can, even if you don't know the recipient. I mean, that's just lovely.
So far, I've received:
- Two shark coloring books
- A blanket that looks like a tortilla so I can wrap myself up like a burrito
- The game One Night Wearwolf
- A "happy" light for light exposure during dark winter months
I've sent many gifts, sometimes in response to someone's tough time or birthday and sometimes just because I felt like it.
It's truly the most joyful little corner of the internet, just a super inclusive, super supportive group of strangers who like to send each other little gifts that mean more because they truly represent the kindness of strangers.
Plus, when I get down an Amazon shopping hole, instead of buying myself things, I just add them to my Wish List, which surely has saved me a lot of money when I am browsing after a few glasses of wine.
So, to help someone with their list of goals, I posted for group members to drop their lists if something on their list would help them achieve one of their goals for the year. To maintain the privacy of the group, I'm not going to share anymore, but I was happy to continue to give back to this joyful community and help strangers work toward their personal goals!
