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It's not about me, even on my birthday
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Tuesday, May, 18, 2010
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by John Fischer
Yesterday was my birthday, and though I appreciate all the well-wishers who contacted me through Facebook and email, it wasn't exactly a birthday to remember. This was nobody's fault except for project deadlines and a prior decision to celebrate on a later date when all my children could be with me. Still, even though I knew this, it was hard not to struggle with some self-pity and the justification to do something nice for myself because I deserved it—after all it was my birthday!
At one point, I tried to create my own private party until I realized how much my family needed me, and how inappropriate it was to zero in on myself using my birthday as an excuse. This was a day to give, not receive, and as I think about this now, I see that it would be a good theme to adopt for this next year of my life, not just one day—to focus my attention on giving—to my family first, and then out to those beyond this circle.
Instead of "This is my birthday, what's in it for me?" it will be more like "This is my birthday, who can I honor today, and what can I do for them?" Because it's not about me, even on my birthday.
For those who might choose to join me, think today about what you might have in your life that you use as "birthday?" of sorts—an opportunity to pamper yourself like you've done every year for how long? Whatever that is, lay it down, and walk into a focus on giving to others, because it's not about you, even when it's your birthday.
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