“Today you are you! That is truer than true!
There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss wasn’t around that day because it came along without much of a hurrah. In fact, the only person who remembered was a far-away friend from another state. She sent me a card with a simple 3-inch round button with bright stenciled lettering:
“It’s My Birthday!”
I grinned and pinned the button on to my jacket. It was a way to carry my friend with me through the tough day ahead.
Before I got too far down the street a passing stranger called out, Happy Birthday!
Why Thanks! I replied.
And that was just the beginning of a flood of good wishes.
Yep – Thanks! Over and over again.
When’s yours? I’d ask, wanting to wish a happy day back even if in advance. All those positive vibes turned my tough day into a terrific one.
That nite I went to sleep grateful for my far-away friend. I packed the button-up for next year and considered it my good luck charm.
Sure enough when the next birthday rolled around more people noticed. Or maybe it was me pointing at the button. I especially made a point of doing so when someone seemed to be giving me grief about something or other.
Give me a break, I’d say pointing to that big beautiful button.
Oh! Happy Birthday my friend! It worked like a charm.
In fact, that handy dandy button worked so great I decided to wear it longer, a few days, than a week. Heck, I’m still wearing it. And I admit I rather enjoy it reminding me that every sunrise offers an opportunity to start anew. Hallelujah born again.
Now some of you may see this as seeking attention. But I see it as catching kindness. Perfect strangers who’d barely give me the time of day wish me instead happiness galore. With only a short glance frowns turn into smiles. Magic.
So, as we try and contemplate how to be less angry and stressed in this crazy mixed-up world, I’ve got a crazy cool answer that’ll hopefully push some buttons,
It’s My Birthday buttons.
The gift that keeps on giving.
Said the 5-year-old boy to his aunt on her birthday,
Happy Birthday, Auntie!
Aunt: Oh it’s just another day.
Boy: But it’s in paradise.
<Sages of Young Ages>
