As one gets older, the desire for material goods is replaced by the desire for PDAs -- and not what you think. I'm not into toys. I seek Personal Displays of Affection. Not for me, but for others.
These PDAs may be demonstrated by:
* Visiting or calling a parent, grandparent, or other senior and listening. So many people talk-talk-talk, but we have much to learn if we shut up and listen to the wiser generation. Spend an hour listening and you will be amazed how good both of you feel.
* Sharing your talents with others. Help with housecleaning, home repairs, mowing the lawn, taking folks grocery shopping, making a home-made meal, and just spending time with people who won't ask for help, but who will benefit (and this applies to people of all ages.)
* Making regular phone calls to home-bound family and friends. Your smile on the phone may be the only sunshine heard today. I truly wish for a reduction in the lonliness that seniors experience as they age and become less important in American's lives. (Our culture has much to learn from Asia.)
* turning off the computer, TV, and the gadget-du-juor (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.) Reach out and hold the hand of the one you love. Experience serenity without technological distractions. Do this for me. You will be surprised how delightful, energizing, and empowering this down-time can be.
* reducing fear of disaster by taking personal charge of your own life. Walk the talk. Describe your personal disaster plan to someone you work with. Talk about it with your family. Discuss it with the people with whom you worship. My mentor and friend, Dennis Mileti, empowered me to empower others by encouraging milling -- talking about disaster preparedness always and often. (and unlike voting in Chicago, this is legal!)
* (from my dear friend Ana-Marie): Saying NO to fear and threat! Really, we've spent billions on scaring and threatening the public "for their own good" -- The D.A.R.E program, Scared Straight, Abstinence Only Sex-Education just to name a few. They don't work, they harm the most vulnerable communities, and most preparedness campaigns follow the same model. Please say NO!
* Saying "YES" to simplicity -- live a disaster-prepared life.
This is what I want for my birthday: open your heart, listen with love, show you care. Show YOUR PDAs! As I regularly say, "show those you love that you love them."
Thank you for making my birthday a happy one by telling me what you have done to fulfill my birthday wish in a comment on this blog.
