Every year, like most people I know, that time of the year comes around where friends and family start preparing for my birthday. I love the part where we try to find a date, time and place where I can spend time with the most important people in my life. The more awkward part is the part where I’m asked for gift ideas.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the intention or even that there are a few things that I’m missing. However, as someone who is trying to diminish the number of items in my life, I always find it very challenging. There are only so many items (very very few) in the $20-40 range that I really need. What to do? Those friends or family want to give me something that I will be able to use and keep good memories of. And is it me or does it become a bit more difficult as years go by?
One Item We Take For Granted
What is one thing that you and I have but would rarely if ever list in your possessions? In fact I’ve never seen it among the many lists of items owned by minimalists around the world despite it being your most valuable possession..
Water
Simple right? Access to water is the most simple yet also the most critical aspect in our lives, no matter where we are, what we do, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone can say as much. Millions are still lacking access to clean water around the world and while those numbers are coming down, there is still too much to do. The other day, I was watching an interview with the founder of “Charity: Water”, which I’m publishing at the end of this post, it was eye opening to say the least.
Why Am I Talking About Water And Birthdays?
If you watch the video, you will learn a bit more about a simple but brilliant concept; giving a birthday to Charity. It’s as easy as asking for donations to charity instead of receiving birthday presents. It’s a fantastic concept on so many levels and I am certainly considering it personally. It seems like it would help me accumulate less, help raise money and awareness to a great cause, all for the sake of giving access to the single possession that is most valuable. I do not see much downside.
