I'm glad I was born

It's my birthday.

I haven't been a huge fan of birthdays in the recent years, but I tried to change my attitude this time.  Luckily I have inspiring friends who, without knowing it, helped me along.  Last year one said that on her birthday she tried to make people glad she was born.  Another did 39 acts of kindness for her 39th birthday.  Don't I have cool friends?  I decided to copy them, and the plan made for a great week.

Last Monday I set out to do 34 random acts of kindness for my 34th birthday.  Some were super simple, like holding open a door or offering a compliment or writing love notes on the bathroom mirrors. Others were a little more involved, like writing letters to a teacher and a friend, and mailing a care package to a dear one far away.  I donated to the Young Women garage sale, left a big tip at a restaurant, took the kids to McDonald's, and contributed a little more than usual to my church.  My kids loved the day they came home to neatly made beds and no chores to do.  My favorite acts of kindness were the most random: taping a $5 gift card on a gas pump, leaving encouraging notes on windshields of cars at the Y at 6:00 a.m., and tucking $1 bills in bins in the dollar spot at Target.  I hope that at least 34 people walked away smiling after receiving a random act of kindness.  I know I sure did.  I think I'll celebrate this way every year.

I was truly touched by friends who remembered and celebrated my birthday with me.  A temple trip, a dinner out, and dessert and shopping with friends were all delightful.  My family spoiled me, and I got awesome cards from my kids.  I am definitely glad I was born.  I'm a lucky girl.