The Kindling | 7.5.22
Your Words To My Eyeballs
Tomorrow, my friends, is my birthday. I don’t speak of my own birthday much, if ever, as I really never have enjoyed or cared much about it. Any day that shines a spotlight on me, is not really the best day…dammit Autism hahaha. That said, I’m 41 in just a few hours, and as such, I wanna ask a favor…well, two, but mostly one. Here goes…
First, write to me a list of advice, suggestions, tips, or hints, on how I can be a better version of myself going forward into this next year of my life, and those to come. What would make me more, more of all the good things, and less, less of all the bad? Be open, and be honest, from what you’ve learned. I want to improve, always, and maybe you can help?
Second, if you really wanna get me a birthday present (I hate birthday presents so this is a perfect way to compromise!) all I would ask for is, if you’re not already a part of this Signal Fire community (it’s $5/month, which ain’t bad!) that you join us, or if you are, that you gift a subscription to someone else. Obviously the money helps me feed my family, and keeps me doing this for all of you, but truly, the real reason I want you to join is simpler: I want this community to GROW! I want more answers to the writing prompts, I want more responses to the discussion threads, I want more people to feel like Family! So, if you’re keep, the buttons are below, and I would love ya (even more) forever.
Let’s do this thing, click the button, submit your response.
Happy birthday! I am so grateful you are alive on this planet.
My advice is to carve out specific periods of time on a regular basis (maybe once or twice a month, depending on what works for you) to be completely without your phone. And I'm talking like at least a full 24 hours (more if you can) without touching it. I recently tried it and it was a game changer. I was feeling so burnt out and exhausted, and one Saturday afternoon, I put my phone underneath my bed and did not touch it again for 24 hours. I told a few key people what I was doing so they wouldn't be worried, and then I disconnected. In this day and age, it's become habit to constantly be checking our phones and stay connected to everything, everywhere, all the-time. Being completely separated from social media, news, and even messages from people was so liberating - and rebellious in the best way possible! It gave me the chance to focus on my own self-care (which I'd been neglecting at the time) and really spend time with myself. You don't realize all the little things you use your phone for until you actually break away from it. I felt so much more energized when I could shift my focus to the things that really matter. Moving forward, I plan to do this at least once a month. I think it will 100% make me a better human.
Don't "should" on yourself. Just love the man in the mirror who holds so much love, compassion, and integrity for the world to follow. You don't need to be perfect....just real. The world needs more of the authenticity you strive for. Keep going and have a hella Happy Birthday! 🎂🎉🎁