I can still remember the best birthday ever!!! As my 30th birthday was approaching I was looking forward to celebrating in a one of a kind way. I had read about the Birthday Project, this idea where you spent the day doing acts of service, one for every year you’ve lived. I knew this would be the perfect way to celebrate turning 30. Doing 30 acts of kindness.
My day was filled with happiness as I was able to serve and help others. My hubby ended up getting sick that day and couldn’t join me. But my mom and sister were on board to help. I even picked up my kids and had them help part of the day. They loved seeing the faces of strangers light up with happiness as we served.
I wanted to share what we did back in 2012 that made my 30th birthday the best day birthday ever.
#1- Took donuts and a thank you card to our local Police Department. At the time we lived in Fountain Valley, a charming town in orange county.
Act #2- Gave out free donuts and Coco at Sam’s Club. People couldn’t believe we were giving out things for free. One guy did accuse us of trying to kill him. And then he wanted to know if his wife put us up. He told us he was diabetic. I told him just to take some more insulin and he would be fine.
#3- Wrote a thank you note to a neighbor who always has a beautiful yard. I’ve always appreciated it as I walked by. Thanking strangers really warms my heart.
#4- Took treats and a thank you card to a neighbor with the best decorated Christmas decorations.
#5- Served in the Temple- I love when I can serve others through religious worship. I love the Newport Beach Temple.
#6- Paying for the Person behind me at McDonald’s. Grabbing lunch and helping others.
#7- Picking up trash with my kids. We are all about Leaving No Trace.
#8- Leaving notes of encouragement on cars.
#9- Leaving a little something for my bestie who was celebrating her anniversary that day. (You’ll hear more about her later)
#10- Dropping of Shoes for a shoe drive. My girlfriend was collecting Shoes for Sofi, a little girl that had now been adopted. She is thriving and loved by her dear family.
#11- Delivering balloons to kids with cancer. We actually just left the balloons with the nurses station. We knew they would know who needed them that day. We are so thankful for CHOC and for the wonderful doctors and nurses who took care of our son when he was admitted for diabetes.
#12- Donating coloring books and crayons to the ER waiting room at CHOC.
#13- Leaving money on vending machines in the ER at CHOC.
#14- Thank you card and treats for ER nurses! They work so hard!!!
#15- Dropping off flowers with the security officer. He promised to give them to the nurses in the maternity ward. Our request was to give them to moms who might need some cheer and support.
#16- Leaving diaper supplies and an encouraging note reminding moms that they are doing a great job!
#17- Leaving some change to help someone pay for their laundry at a laundry mat.
#18- Bubblegum money. Hopefully we made some kid’s day.
#19- Made a child’s library dues for them.
#20- Spent 10 minutes opening doors for others. And we smiled at everyone.
#21- Delivering handwritten cards to a retirement home. We hope they made their readers feel loved.
#22- Handed out water bottles to people working out at our local park.
#23 Helping people carry out groceries. Returning carts. My personal favorite! My mom found someone who needed help jump starting their car. We helped push it while he got the engine going. He was asking others and they were too busy.
#24- Act by proxy. These beautiful sister missionaries did my dishes for me!
#25- Taking a meal to a family we love!
#26- Feeding the sister missionaries
#27- Taking out the trash for my poor husband who is sick. And for the record I hardly ever take out the trash. We have a deal going so don’t feel bad for him.
#28- Writing letters to missionaries.
#29- Visiting one of my favorite people! Omera is such a light! I always leave our visits uplifted.
#30- Giving the sisters a ride. And my sister bought me my favorite pie. Blessings for serving others!
Can you just imagine the day focusing on others? It was so delightful and I was able to share so much happiness. But that isn’t the end of the story. I gave the sisters a ride to a friend’s house because they asked me for a ride. And they insisted I come in to say hello. I love the family so I didn’t mind at all. And guess what???
Their home is filled with my family and friends. I couldn’t believe it! What were they doing here. After a moment I realized it was a surprise party thrown by my friends. My dear friend Shari (the one with the anniversary) had organized this party. And her hubby was there, and such a trooper, to be spending his anniversary night at my party.
There was great food and my favorite people! And my friends chipped in and bought me a silhouette cameo! (Possibly going crazy as I was always sharing giveaways, hoping to win one) and my hubby and mom got me a kitchenaid. Shari had a photo booth and with her amazing photography skills was able to preserve the party with these great photos.
I’ve never had a surprise party before. With your birthday between Christmas and New Year’s sometimes people don’t even remember it. I’m totally not even wearing make-up, but these pictures are so dear to me. I’m so thankful for amazing people in my life.
And the moral of the story is you are blessed when you serve others.
But seriously you won’t always get a surprise party after serving others. And you may never know the outcome of your efforts. Maybe a mom was really feeling bad about herself and your note gave her a chance for the spirit to whisper to her that she is doing an amazing job.
One of the best ways to serve others is to turn to The Lord and ask for his help. He knows who needs help and I know he will answer your prayers if you turn to Him.
So this Friday I am turning 35 and I am going to attempt to do 35 acts of service for others. I’ve invited others to join me. And I am hoping to get 35 other friends to perform an act of kindness and use the hashtag #kerrazybirthdayproject. Our world needs more kindness and love. And I would love to hear your ideas and have you join us. Be sure to follow along on social media so you can check out videos, pictures, and stories as we strive to make the world a better place.
If you want to contribute to the project so we can spread more kindness you can click the button right here.
We will make sure any donations made with that link will go specifically for doing things like paying for lunch for strangers, attaching coins to vending machines, and buying groceries for at risk teens.
And I would invite you to ask our Maker to lead you to someone who needs you that day. As we strive to help others we will be blessed with so much more! And if you still need more acts of kindness in your life check out the show Random Acts. Such a great show to watch with the family and a great way to get ideas on serving others. And if you know someone who could use an act of kindness you can submit their story here.
