What if Every Day were "Happy Birthday!"?

     What if every day were happy birthday? Each day is a gift...what will we do with it? As I close out another year and eagerly start a new one, I am reminded of the wonderful people, opportunities, and experiences that fill my time. In a few hours I could qualify as two voting adults, three aspiring writers encouraged by their middle school teachers, our four beginning band instrumentalists. Of course the possibilities are endless...but those were the first three that came to mind because they were indeed milestones in my life (and fun numerically).
     I'm eschewing the cake this year, but the party is just getting started. There are many things i started years ago i wish to resume or complete, and there are many things i have to date perhaps not yet even fully dreamed. I look forward to all that awaits me, and invite you along for part of the journey. I encourage you to think about what you'll celebrate and grow, and hope that you'll be blessed with a positive moment to graciously accept even those "gifts" that aren't at the top of your wishlist (I can attest sometimes this is hard, but oh so important).
     I'm starting a new tradition--for my birthday, I'm sending a check to my local orchestra to celebrate one of the most enduring gifts I ever received, the language of music. This is my grown-up gift to myself and my community so that others may enjoy it as much as I do.I'm committing to making it to a concert this year!
     I'm also learning how to ask for things on behalf of others. For those of you inclined to consider giving, I ask that you choose a cause close to your heart. Rather than wait till i die and throw some money at some flowers that'll make me sneeze beyond the grave, celebrate everyone's LIFE by connecting where you can. Give of yourselves, whatever you can--your time, skill or talent, money, other resources...and if you really need some starter ideas, here are just a few i find meaningful and far-reaching:

*Literacy programs, including any age and/or public libraries
*The arts, for ALL: music/theater/dance/museums/visual, auditory, tactile, mult-isensory...
*Hunger awareness and relief--your local food pantry or meals on wheels
*Disaster preparedness and recovery--learn to be "ready" and how you can help
*Social supports, like peer mentoring and pal programs
*Animal welfare--visit, adopt, spay/neuter, prevent cruelty
*Relay for Life--everyone knows someone with cancer.

Happy Birthday! Now get out there and celebrate. Have a bright year!