45. Forty Five. Forty-five. Forty-five.

45. Forty Five. Forty-five. Forty-five. No matter how I write it, it doesn't get to be any smaller a number. It's not old, not young, just middle-aged. And I will be that number in 67 days. What have I done in the last 45 years? What have I accomplished that really mattered and changed someone else's world for the better?

I have raised two daughters who want to make the world a better place. I am not the perfect parent but my girls are good kids responsible young ladies who have an excellent moral compass (and a better one than I had at their age). I have overcome challenges in my life and I hope I have been an example for them of how to do the same. And they know how to clean a bathroom, which has improved my daughter's first year in a college dorm. And her roommate's.

But what have I done to reach out my hand and help someone else out of their challenging situation? I have participated in fundraisers, from time and talents to monetary donations to walking a route for diseases. I have listened and advised (solicited and unsolicited!) when my friends had roadblocks in their lives. But it was the minimum I could do. 

Since my birthday is so close to the New Year, a traditional time of reflection on what we've done and can do better, I tend towards making sweeping changes in my life. Lose 50 pounds! Save a million dollars! Stop biting my nails! Exercise 5 times a week! Some happen, some don't. (I'm not always good at the goal-follow-through thing.) But this is a sort-of milestone year and I felt I could do better. Why are these changes always about what I can do for me? I think I would feel a lot better about me if I'm doing more for others.

Inspired by an article in the Ladies Home Journal November 2012 issue that mentioned The Birthday Project (thebdayproject.com) I have decided on a course of action. 

This coming year will be the 45 Acts Of Charity In My 45th Year. This is my personal goal. I considered doing this anonymously and without fanfare because it is not about me, although it is for me. However, if I can bring another person (or a crowd) along with me then I am doing more than just one pair of hands can accomplish. 

So, I invite you to follow along, play the home version of our game! If I donate a bag of groceries to my local shelter, you can, too, no matter where you live. If I visit a nursing home, you can come with me in flesh or spirit and cheer up someone lonely or bored, even if you are in another state or country. If I go to a blood drive and top them off a pint, so can you. And if you do, I hope you will let me know and tell me how it affected your life.

My first step is to plan or join some events. So here I go!....

Liza