I am turning 60 years old this month and, admittedly, this has been a tough pill to swallow.
Yes, I’m aware that the alternative is to not be here to celebrate this milestone, and there are many who do not get that privilege. I truly am grateful for the blessing of simply being alive—with good health, amazing friends and family, and so much to be thankful for.
I think what I’m feeling is my own mortality.
I joke that I’m now “on the back nine,” but it is a sobering thought to realize that life is fleeting. I don’t take it lightly that I’ve been given this life, and I want to be mindful of my limited time and make the time I do have…count.
So, in this vein, I wanted to shift my attitude to one of gratitude and giving back.
I decided to make a goal for myself: 60 Acts of Kindness in my month of turning 60.
This simple idea has made a huge shift in my mindset. Getting outside of myself and doing for others has been the best medicine when I’ve been feeling a little unmoored.
I have had so much fun coming up with new things to do. And the best part? I’ve had people reach out to me with some of the ways it has trickled into their own lives and inspired them to pass the kindness along.
One of my favorite examples came from a friend who was visiting and saw my little “FREE FLOWERS” station. She took one of the bouquets and gave it to a little girl who had been sick. Then she sent me a message to tell me about it.
Talk about making my day! 🌸
And that’s the whole point.
I can put a little bouquet of flowers out by the sidewalk, but I have no idea where that one small act of kindness might go next. That’s the ripple effect—kindness passed from one person to another, making someone’s day a little brighter along the way.
Some of My 60 Acts of Kindness
I’ve had so much fun coming up with these, and here are just a few:
🌸 FREE FLOWERS: I made mini bouquets in little vases and set up a “FREE FLOWERS” station near my home.
💧 A Little Refreshment: I saw the mailman’s truck and grabbed a cold bottle of water, setting it next to our basket with a note thanking him.
💛 A Little Sidewalk Inspiration: I left an inspirational message in chalk on the sidewalk for passersby.
🎨 A Little Fun for Kids: I made activity kits for young children and delivered them to our local Children’s Hospital.
💌 A Blast from the Past: I sent notes to some old family friends I hadn’t seen or spoken to in a while.
💰 The Donations I’d Been Meaning to Make: I finally made those donations to nonprofit organizations I’d been “meaning to get around to.”
🐾 For the Pups & Kitties: I cleaned out my beach towels (some were 15+ years old!) and delivered them to our local SPCA for the dogs and kitties.
☕ Pay It Forward: I bought $10 Starbucks gift cards and handed them out to the Starbucks employees, asking them to pick whomever they wanted to pay for a drink and to keep the remainder for their tip.
🎶 Supporting Some Local Tuneage: I tipped a sidewalk musician who was playing some wonderful music.
💌 A Little Encouragement: I left inspirational notes on cars in the parking lot while I was out shopping.
And the list goes on…But you get the idea.
Why It Works?
It’s been a game-changer.
Why?
Because I got out of myself and into service and thinking of others. Instead of being bummed that I hit this milestone, I am grateful for the life I have now and all that is ahead.
What I Know for Sure
I started this challenge because I’ve learned that being of service is the number one way to feel better. Getting out of yourself — it works. Every time.
I have no idea what this next chapter will bring. But I am very secure in the knowledge that age is just a number. It’s all in our attitude and how we choose to live our lives.
I’m choosing to look at my life ahead as an opportunity for making more fabulous memories with those I love, while putting more kindness and good into the world.
And there’s something else I’ve learned along the way:
Doing good feels really, really good.
Want to Spread a Little More Kindness? 💛
If you’re struggling with a milestone — or just feeling stuck in your own head — I can’t recommend this enough. Get outside of yourself. The rest has a funny way of sorting itself out.
And if you’re looking for even more ways to spread a little good, my Random Acts of Kindness post is a great place to start.
Come along for the journey — subscribe below or find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram @funwithfun_size. I’d love to have you. ❤️
You are definitely an inspiration to us all. 🩷
You are definitely an inspiration to us all. 🩷