Let’s Make Kindness Count Today
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Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited
It’s World Kindness Day and it just so happens to be my birthday!
My friend dreaded her birthday. Year after year, she was miserable on and around her birthday and was not afraid to show it!
Until…her hubby took matters into his own hands and started a new ‘game’. On her birthday month, she gets to say “Birthday Girl” anytime she wants something, from choosing dinner to getting her hot drink delivered to her and she can even call “Birthday Girl” to win an argument that month.
Now she loves her birthday (and he gets a “Birthday Boy” month too)! #WinWin
Today I’m calling Birthday Girl! Today’s my day, November is my month and so Happy Birthday to me; I’m milking it!
How do I feel about being 59 (gasp)? I feel grateful; a little creaky, but mostly so darn grateful.
I have a lovely day planned—starting with some fresh air and time with my Littles in the morning, an invigorating gym session in the afternoon, followed by the much-anticipated free* birthday Chai Latte (half-sweet, extra hot, low-fat, no water) from Starbucks and/or maybe a free London Fog from Tim Horton’s – since I’m a proud Canadian.
Then, to top it all off, I’ll be having dinner with The Hub and the friends I told you about above. What more could a girl ask for?
Reflecting on birthdays past, I remember how my mom would wrap up gifts and leave them on the coffee table for me to find first thing in the morning. I honestly can’t recall a single gift, but I’ll never forget the anticipation and the way it felt walking down those stairs; I felt special, important, loved.
Then there was my 16th birthday—a big one! My dad gave me a key to the family car, it’s the only gift he ever purchased, wrapped and presented to me on his own. I couldn’t have been happier if it was a key to my own car. I coveted that key. And while it has long since disappeared (dang, I wish I’d kept it!), it’s still one of my most cherished memories; I felt special, important, loved.
Enough about me, back to World Kindness Day!
Gifts aren’t my love language, but if you’ve ever received value from anything you’ve seen me do, say or write – I’m going to ask you to give me a gift this year – do something nice for someone else.
As we stand, post-US election, seemingly divided and bewildered – perhaps the simplest act of kindness can unite us just a bit today.
Instead of a random act of kindness, let’s be deliberate, thoughtful and proactive.
Here are a few simple ways to make someone’s day brighter:
Let a car cut in front of you next time you’re driving. A little patience goes a long way.
Hold the door open for someone, especially if they’re carrying bags or have their hands full.
Say a cheery hello to a stranger. You never know who might need a friendly face.
Pick up an extra can of soup or some non-perishables for your grocery store’s collection bin.
Call your mom or someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. They may be wishing for a call.
Grab some flowers on the way home to surprise a friend or brighten your space.
Buy some warm socks or gloves for someone without a home.
Give a Google review or LinkedIn recommendation to a deserving person or business.
Do something good for our planet. Pick up a few pieces of litter when you’re out for a walk.
Here are 100 more ideas!
Now…your life, your version, your plan…
Whether it’s your birthday or not, ask for what you want. People can’t read your mind, no matter how much they love you.
Need an extra holiday? Check out this past blog post where I give you a great idea for one.
Stop waiting for others to plan your ‘lovely day’ or a ‘surprise’ or for ‘all the stars to align’ – it may happen, but you may also grow old waiting – create the day/season/life/business you want.
And…put your ‘Birthday girl/boy’ month on the calendar!
Today, let’s share the love and kindness that makes birthdays (and every day) a little more special. If you feel like telling me what you did (or will do) that would be fab!
Here’s to creating more moments that make us all feel special, important and loved. It’s just one more way to live, Your Life, Unlimited!
Ever grateful, Steph
*Freebies for when your B’day comes around –
Birthday Freebies in Canada & Birthday Freebies in the US – enjoy!
If you’re looking for some unique, fun and inspiring reads with lots of takeaways for better living (if I do say so myself) – check out my books, gift yourself or someone you love (or want to!). One is even free on Kindle!
