Happy 21st!

And the monthly celebration of the 21st continues for the 31st time!

July 21, 2018, marks the starting point of the celebrations. Each month since, the 21st is commemorated with the donning of special earrings and the giving of a greeting card.

What makes the 21st worth celebrating? It is our wedding anniversary. Why the special earrings? Well, unlike my beautiful dress, I committed to wear this bridal purchase more than once! And the card? Anyone that knows me is not at all surprised by this. I love giving and sending cards and notes. I add them to lunch boxes, send them in the mail, leave them around the house and even place them in the truck for a random discovery. The difference on the 21st is that I actually give an anniversary card. This can be tricky. You really need to read a few cards to make sure you are giving a card that says just the right things.

By now, you may be wondering two things.

• Do I receive a card each month?
• What does this post have to do with dogs?

The answers are “no” and “everything”! You see, although my husband loves receiving the cards, I do not get a monthly anniversary card from him. Giving cards is not his thing. He, so far, has only committed to giving me a card for the annual event and I am fine with that. I do not give him the card to guilt him into giving me one. I give the card because I like to do it. He gets to enjoy the card, and I receive the joy of giving without expectation. It is definitely a win-win!

Writing about this practice has everything to do with dogs because giving without a thought of reciprocity is the very thing dogs owners do everyday. We feed the dogs, clean up after them, groom them, vet them, buy them treats, train them, take them places, and maybe even buy them clothes and shoes, but not once do we expect them to do those things for us. We give, and are satisfied with tail wagging, licking and cuddling. Our hearts soar at the successful mastery of a simple trick! It matters not the kind of dog – pedigreed or pound puppy – they bring joy in their being!

Oh! that we would treat people likewise! The giving need not be grand. In fact, it could be as simple as a smile (even with a mask), a genuine “How are you?” where we listen with interest at the response, or other random act of kindness. You could allow a car to have the right of way, or give a sincere compliment. The choice is yours! You are in complete control of the gift and your lack of expectation! Try it! I dare you!

Need help to get started? Ok! Pick a number between 1 and 28. Place a recurring appointment as a reminder on your calendar. Plan your gift, and let the joy of anticipation build. Practice monthly, giving recklessly and with full abandon! Treat yourself to the heartfelt joy that results!