Living Outside The Lines Donating My Birthday To Charity

It is difficult to pin point how or when donating your birthday to charity became a thing, but the concept has increased in popularity over the past several years…

Becky J Miller | Exclusive to Corridor News

In two days I’ll celebrate my 51^st birthday. One would imagine that having lived half a century, being successfully married 32 years, raising three children who are all productive members of society, graduating from college and maintaining an upwardly progressive career, no childish things would remain. One would be wrong.

Perhaps the fault lies with my parents, grandparents and other extended family members for creating such exciting, fun-filled, memory making birthdays. Shame on them for making me feel incredibly loved and secure. I suppose the idea is, at some point, the child will outgrow the belief that everyone adores them and desires to lavish them with gifts and attention. Herein lies the problem, this child failed to arrive at that destination.

As an adult, my unrealistic expectations often leave me quite disappointed. The fault lies with no one but myself. By my age, one should realize that while celebrating another birthday is always a positive, the date is supposed to lose the magical anticipation of surprises and presents.

I’ll be honest, my 50^th birthday last year was sorely disappointing. The half-century mark seemed a big deal to me, and I hoped my family and friends would feel the same way. It hurt when they didn’t. Please understand, the only finger I am pointing is directed at me. I’m an adult. By now I should have outgrown these silly notions.

It is difficult to pin point how or when donating your birthday to charity became a thing, but the concept has increased in popularity over the past several years. Although I think the idea is fabulous; my own husband donated his last two birthdays, raising a significant amount of money for his cause, it never really occurred to me to participate, until now.

Working at a college where fall enrollment is high, August is a very busy month, so employees are not permitted to take any vacation days. For someone with an August birthday, this rule stinks. Couple the no vacation rule with pastoring a church where Sundays are required, and planning a birthday getaway becomes an exercise in futility.

Understanding my childlike demeanor regarding birthdays and knowing this one is likely to be a bust too, this year I’ve decided to take control of the situation. Instead of expecting gifts and surprises, I’ve decided to donate my birthday to charity. No more unrealistic expectations; instead of lamenting, I am excited to help others.

The Facebook birthday giving post went up July 21. Barely an hour passed before the first donation arrived. I was so eager that evening, I barely slept, excited at the prospect of meeting my fundraising goal! No matter the final giving tally, this year instead of being disappointed when unrealistic expectations go unmet, I will celebrate knowing my special day when to help others.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/637852829915206/637852839915205/ to join me in celebrating my birthday by giving to the cause I am most passionate about.

Until Next Time,
Becky J Miller
“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.