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It is Your Unbirthday!
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000

Yes. It is my very own birthday today. And I LOVE my birthday. I love waking up knowing that I'll receive phone calls from my friends. I love being with the people I care about, eating a special dinner, opening cards, and getting lots of hugs. It makes me feel valued and important. And while we may not all relish getting another year older, I believe we do all enjoy feeling loved and celebrated.

Please consider this. Someone you know, someone that you love and care deeply about, may not live to see their next birthday. I know that may sound melodramatic and remote, but when held in the light of the events of September 11th, I don't think it really is.

I remember it was November of 1975. I was browsing a card shop and happened upon the perfect birthday card for my mom. Although her birthday wasn't for quite some time, I bought it anyway and put it aside to mail to her at the appropriate time.

I never got to mail the card to her. She died in a fire 2 months before her 49th birthday.

I think the message is pretty clear, don't you?

Here's your assignment. Right now go to your calendar, Palm Pilot, day planner or whatever. Pick one day of the week (let's say Mondays) and at 8 a.m., or 2 p.m., or any time that will work for you, and write in "Celebrate _______'s Unbirthday today." (Put in a different person's name for each Monday.) Then do for that person exactly what you would do if it were their real birthday. Things like:

Leave a voice mail song message: "Happy Unbirthday to youuuuu."
Send a Happy Unbirthday Card
Take the person to an Unbirthday lunch
Give a tiny Unbirthday gift
Give a HUGE Unbirthday hug
Express your love, affection, respect, and appreciation for who they are, and what they mean to you.

Do it. Don't just think about it. Don't close out this email thinking, "Yeah, that's a good idea. I should do it." Do it. One year from now there will be 52 people in your life who will have been enriched by your actions.

Oh, and Happy Unbirthday to you!!!!

Word count: 370

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

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