Why Fabruary?

I headed towards a significant birthday with all the usual questions: should I have a party, who will I invite, where will I have it. And what about the presents?

1) If I had a party I'd remember the time spent organising, finding venues, and all the coordination that I would not particularly enjoy. There'd be many people at the party, but too many for me to have memorable meaningful connections

2) I have all that I need, too much actually, and would be happy with less

3) There are people who have far more need for money and support - how can I turn my energy in their direction?

4) I have never organised a fundraiser before, nor been part of the famous events such as Shave For a Cure, CEO Sleepout, Movember, other than to donate to those who have invested their time and courage. I would be happier organisine a fundraiser than organising my birthday party.

What will be memorable and meaningful in decades to come? This was my guiding question.

THE RESULT

- ask people to not send me presents or cards. Instead, ask them to divert their money to their favourite charity and cause

- ask people to not do things for me, don't take me out for dinner, don't make me cakes. Instead do something for someone else

- I will donate the money that would have been spent on party caterers to a range of lesser-known charities

- I will spend time doing lots of nice, kind, helpful things for people (instead of spending time organising a party). 50 weeks of nice things. Even better, do this with friends so we have fun together

Already, on 22 February, I have heard of the most wonderful things that people are doing. Inspiring and uplifting stories. Information about charities I'd not heard of. Things people are doing anyway, quietly and humbly, not because of Faburary, but because giving and helping is important to them.

February is indeed shaping up to be a very fabulous Fabruary.
And it's memorable, meaningful and joyful.

On my birthday

Coincidence?
On my special birthday, cleaning out the spare change from my purse, I found this 50 cent coin, specially minted in year of the volunteer. How appropriate!