I worry about it getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays since it is the day after Christmas. I’m not just worried about not getting presents, or getting “joint presents” that cover both days, because I understand that. Money is tight for everyone.
I worry that the day will just float by without any celebration or notable difference from every other day. I worry about this because I see it as a reflection of my life. Am I just floating through this existence? Is my highest goal simply to stay out of people’s way so I’m not an inconvenience? Am I adding any cause for celebration to the lives of those whom I love? Do I matter? Sometimes I’m afraid to even ask. Ann Voskamp wrote a beautiful post on her birthday that really inspired me. (http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/08/how-to-have-the-best-birthday-the-best-today-the-best-any-day/)
Here are the two things that have stuck with me since reading that post in August:
1. Fight anxiety with love for others. “Perfect love casts out all fear.”
2. Don’t be afraid to do something that will make people stop, and think, and smile.
2. Don’t be afraid to do something that will make people stop, and think, and smile.
In her post she challenges readers to give forward the love they have received by doing one or more of the 40 “GIFTS” listed on her page. I LOVE that idea. I love it because it is a way to create memories and stories, a way to stop and celebrate life!
Still, I felt I couldn’t just rip off her 40 ideas (even though they are all excellent). I wanted to put my own spin on it, make it kind of a truth or dare game played across the whole country.
I have been watching the show Impractical Jokers lately, and the things they challenge each other to do simply blow my mind. (http://www.trutv.com/shows/impractical-jokers/index.html) The show is hilarious to me because the guys are fearless (and/or shameless). I envy that sort of hilarity,. I think for 90 % of the population that sort of gut wrenching belly laugh at life’s awkward situations and absurdities dies out somewhere between middle school and the end of college. So, I tried to weave it into my birthday celebration.
I made a list of 30 things. 15 humorous requests and 15 thoughtful ones. If you are game, look over the list below, chose a gift/ challenge to complete and then write me an email or birthday card telling me which GIFT you chose and how it went:) (Extra bonus points if you get a picture or even better a video of the funny ones.) I also attached the websites where I got the ideas from, check them out so you can see what I have in mind. I really really hope you’ll celebrate with me this year....I mean seriously 30 only rolls around once.
 |
I forgot to say that I highly recommend going out on your adventure (be it a GIFT or a DARE) with a friend to witness, give moral support, and share in the fun:)
ReplyDeleteWow! Challenging ideas. This reminds me of the vulnerability research of Brene Brown. Good talk the other morning with Krista Tippett on the Onbeing show, http://onbeing.org
ReplyDeleteYes! Brene Brown has a great piece on TED talks as well. Her insights on vulnerability are so fascinating!
ReplyDelete