Native American culture -- among others -- has a custom of giving to others on your birthday, instead of receiving. When you're used to birthdays as a day of waiting while others do for you, this feels very wrong. At first. But if you think about it, the more you give, the more you ultimately receive, right?
So today, my birthday, help me make this day a memorable one by telling me what I can do for you.
One simple rule! It can't cost money. In the spirit of this crazy world economy, let's see how much can be done for others without spending a centavo!
Do you need a blog entry edited? Or help finding a home for a cat you found on the street? Or something else? Let me know, e-mail, comment on the blog using the link below, or Twitter it to me at @thefutureisred.
As long as I can write, do, act, ask or tell, send your request my way. If I can't do it myself, I will find someone who can.
So yes, Happy Birthday To Me! Happy Birthday To Me!
Happy Birthday! I've never heard this before, but it's a beautiful gesture. The Native Americans were very sophisticated.
I've always thought that we should celebrate our Mothers on our own birthdays. They did all the work that day!
Posted by: Raymond Adams | March 20, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Happy Birthday! I'd ask you to cancel my doctor's appt for me, but seeing as it will take so much time to find the number, I may as well do the deed myself.
Posted by: Cicada Studio | March 20, 2009 at 10:11 AM
What a lovely way to celebrate :) In Southern parts of India, people celebrate the mother too and esp on weddings - the parents get the gifts! After all what did we do, we had to be pushed out into the world, lol. Have a wonderful day xx
Posted by: Tia Singh @TiaSparkles | March 20, 2009 at 05:22 PM
What a fabulous birthday idea...I'll think I'll do it for my own mom this year. Have not only a wonderful day, but may your birthday last the rest of the month!
Posted by: Melanie@TravelsWithTwo | March 20, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Tia and Raymond: I totally agree! We should celebrate our mothers on our birthdays. It's sort of a nice shake up to give when we're used to getting. It definitely made for an enjoyable birthday here.
And hearing from all of you through Twitter, Facebook and here most definitely made my day.
Melanie: We have a tradition that we celebrate one day of birthday for every decade you've been alive. Thus, you celebrate aging. Why not, right?
Posted by: Leigh Shulman | March 22, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Happy birthday!!! Love the idea of helping others. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jennifer Fong | March 23, 2009 at 03:14 PM
What a nice idea. I saw you on twitter, and thought I would stop in and check out your blog. The old saying is true that it is better to give than to receive! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: carrie | March 23, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Happy birthday Leigh! I know you not for a long time, but enough to feel that you give your heart in everything you do for your family and friends. So, you celebrate your birthday every day. I hope you spend a beautiful day today.
Posted by: Daniel | March 20, 2010 at 01:12 AM