After being inspired by a video of a young Pakistani man celebrating his 22nd birthday with 22 random acts of kindness, I mentioned to my girlfriend Tamara that I'd like to do the same for my upcoming 55th birthday in December. Well, she grabbed onto the idea and made it happen.We wore goofy reindeer antlers to make people smile, placed cheery stickers on the shirts of children, cleaned up a park, passed out delicious Mexican hot chocolate to those in the park--many of whom appeared homeless, offered bottled water and compassionate listening in the shopping mall, played rock/scissors/papers with a bored 10 year old boy who was waiting for his sisters to finish shopping, and more.
The highlight for me occurred at the end of the day when we were passing out carnation flowers in a retirement home after their dinner. At first I found myself questioning my motives and how it would be received. It turned out that the local Unity Church had a large group there at the same time singing to the residents.
However, the first thing that took me a bit by surprise was how almost every man also enjoyed receiving a flower, not only from Tamara, but also from me. Then, I found myself giving the women longer deep caring hugs. One commented that she had not been hugged like that for years. But then my heart was permanently touched when another woman told me that she had not been hugged like that by a man for five decades!
I didn't count the number of kind acts we did that day, and neither do I count that birthday as one of the good ones. Without a doubt, I KNOW it was my best!
I'm feeling grateful for Tamara and every person who has ever inspired me.
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- Posted by WaterDog
- Mar 8, 2015
- Comments (20)
Readers Comments
Mbw wrote: Sweet inspiration! And happy days to you. I am turning 59 soon and i am thinking this may be a wonderful birthday gift. Thank you kindly
Mbw wrote: Sweet inspiration! Thank you kindly and happy days to you💜
susan McGraw Erickson wrote: I'm turning 70 in july. I want to do this too! I'll start early. Thanks for the inspiration.
iman wrote: Surprising.
sandyremillar wrote: Great way of celebrating! So alive and so kind. May you celebrate many more in good health and prosperity! Namaste
janelle.ford170 wrote: Glad you shared your b day with all those folks. That is for sure a great birthday.
jeffgraham wrote: You have touched more lives than the ones you met that day.
SeaMar67 wrote: What a true celebration of who you are -- brought a big smile to my face!
wavingatyou wrote: Spreading happy everywhere :)
jomartin87112 wrote: Sounds like a fabulous birthday celebration! Good for you and Happy Birthday!
