I’m Turning 60!

Tomorrow I turn 60. I want this birthday to represent me, but not be about me. So I took inspiration from a woman I read about in my local paper and set a gift of kindness in motion, sending the letter below to 60 friends and family members (the 60-60 Project).

I’m honored to witness the myriad of ways in which this gift has inspired and spread and multiplied. I’m learning about what’s important to the people in my life, something personal that’s touched them, charitable organizations or initiatives I’m not familiar with, and the many ways in which creativity and philanthropy is expressed.

It’s truly the best gift.

Dear Friend/Family Member,

I’m celebrating a milestone birthday this month. Dare I say it, 60 trips around the Sun. I know, my birthday may be news to you. And while this may feel like self-promotion, it’s not. Bear with me, this will be fun.

I love celebrating my birthday. The older I get the more I like myself. My birthday never fails to remind me how loved and blessed I am. And yes, for the briefest of moments, I enjoy that spotlight.

This has been a quiet year for me. Full of growth and revelations and letting go and joy and gratitude in the simple things. None of my “go to” ways of celebrating seem to honor who and where I am in this moment. Not a party, a weekend getaway, material gifts, or a big event. I was stumped about what to do until I read in my local paper about a woman who celebrated her milestone birthday with a charity challenge.

She summed it up perfectly. “What I want for my birthday is to be part of someone’s feel-good moment.” To create and celebrate opportunities for connection and random acts of kindness. To witness what an army of 60 friends and family members can do, each with $60.

Here’s how the challenge works. Give the enclosed $60 away. How you do this is entirely up to you. Touch someone’s life. Have fun with it. All I ask in return is that you let me know how you “gifted” the money.

I look forward to hearing your story. Many thanks for making my 60th meaningful and memorable.

Hugs,
Lauran