Yesterday I started Chapter 54 of this journey through life. I actually worked on my Birthday which because of my Mother I never do but it was a Tuesday and I took a three day weekend this past week and have another one this week. When I was growing up my Mom made a big deal out of our Birthdays. Nothing extravigant but we did not have to go to school, we could spend the day doing whatever we wanted to do. I've always continued this tradition. She always told us that this was our special day. When she called yesterday afternoon she asked what I had been doing all day. and I told her that I worked she sounded disapointed so I promised her I would never work again on my Birthday. She never makes a big deal out of her own birthday but always has for everyone else.
As each Birthday aproaches I like to think about what the past year was like and what I want the next year to hold. My 10 personal goals for Chapter 54 are...
1. Make 12 new to me recipes
2. Make 12 desserts (this big guy will love this one)
3. Do 12 random acts of kindness (strangers)
4. Do 12 random acts of kindness (friends)
5. Do 12 random acts of kindness (family)
6. Read 12 books (I used to triple this amount but lately haven't come close)
7. 12 day trips with the big guy
8. Continue to be grateful every single day
9. Continue to stay mindful of each moment
10.Continue to pay attention to the little things in each day
I put these in my journal with space to put a check mark each time I accomplish one and I left enough pages to write what I do. It is always fun to look back on these and remember the things I did.
Anyone have any Birthday traditions that they still do?
Wow what a great list, I have never thought of doing anything like that. I guess too busy running all the time to slow down and think. But happy Birthday to you. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim. I try to be mindful or I get caught up in the rush of it all. The years are ticking by too quickly.
DeleteYou should have just made it a nice four day weekend, your mom would have liked that. Happy birthday once again! I love your goal list for chapter 54. :)
ReplyDeleteYes she would have been happy about that. Thank you again. Have a great day Martha!!
DeleteHappy Birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, one should not do _anything_ on one's Birthday, that they do not want to do!!!!!!!! -smile- I agree with your Mom!
And your plans are delightful!
Gentle hugs...
🔔 😊 🔔
Thank you! Yes I promise to listen to Mom from here on out no matter what day of the week it falls on.
DeleteHappy belated birthday!!! I'm now back online after my move. The only birthday tradition I can think of is cake. Lately, I just buy a single slice of carrot or red velvet cake at the market and eat it after dinner.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Now your new chapter officially begins. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteA commendable list, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteHere is a poem I like to share with folks on their birthday:
Lucille Clifton - Won't you celebrate with me.
won't you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
That is beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with me. I've hear the everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed part but nt the entire poem.
Delete