Our STORY
Why I chose to celebrate my birthday last year.
I was always one of those people that let my birthday come and go without much fuss. And because it didn't seem to be deeply rooted in any unhealthy reason, I wouldn't give it much thought. I was firm about my belief that age doesn't matter and I wanted to celebrate every day wholeheartedly. If anything, I saw it as a reason to bring people I love together. The only thing was... the thought of actually spending a day CELEBRATING ME made me feel a bit uncomfortable inside. That's when I realized, what if this funny feeling was more than just a funny feeling? What if there was a small chance I was saying, the day I was born was no big deal? And what are some of the real consequences of these seemingly small, insignificant thoughts and actions? How different would my world be if I chose instead that the day I was born MATTERS. And showed others that they matter with this other simple act?
And so the BORNTOGIVE Project began in April 2015. 32 Intentional Acts of Love for 32 years of being a gift to this world.
The most magical day ever. As I spent the day showing others they matter, I realized how much I matter. And I knew I couldn't keep this all to myself.
Here's what transpired on that day:
Original 32 Acts of Love for my 32nd Birthday
1. Showed love to local farmers
2. Gave flowers to 5 dozen women saying it's because they are beautiful.
3. Showed my sales team love
4. Taped coins to 25 parking meters
5. Left post it notes of love notes on 18 cars
6. Made Sherry's dream come true
7. Reached out to someone I got to forgive
8. Made my 3 fav croissant boys laugh
9. Bought cookies for fire fighters thanking them for their service
10. Gave them the gift of giving by saying yes to lunch at the fire station and riding along on a call.
11. Bought Starbucks for someone behind me in line.
12. Free hugs galore
13. Pushed shopping carts back to their home.
14. Dropped off coloring books to children hospital.
15. Flowers for nurses with big hearts
16. Ronald McDonald house donation, more books
17. Gave a family in need the ability to nourish themselves when their food stamps ran out.
18. Dropped off food to animal shelter, showed love.
19. Greeted people with smiles, laughs and love
20. Gave three people I love a chance to experience the difference they make in the world.
21. Thanked my mom for her day of love 32 years ago.
22. Gave healing energy anonymously
23. Walked instead of drove, connected and earth friendly.
24. Created joy all over Los Feliz, market, streets, fire station, passerby
25. Left note for dentist office, thanking them for making people's smiles brighter
26. Connected with someone I haven't talked to in eight years
27. Share how much I love my siblings deeply
28. Made a park ranger smile and gave a love note
29. Appreciated mother nature and her brilliance
30. Left $5 taped with love note on redbox machine
31. Showed love to kid selling chocolates for school.
32. Cooked and fed 30 homeless friends on skid row a warm meal with notes that told them they are worthy and loved.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
OUR MISSION
To create a world where birthdays are spent celebrating the gift that we are through acts of love.