I used to laugh at my friend who knew the birthdays of her neighbor's cousins' friends. Okay, maybe she didn't know that, but it seemed like she knew the birthdays of everyone and many of their friends and relatives. She collected dates. My collection started with my family and friends and has expanded from there. I'm a collector of dates. WHY?
Why is it important to collect dates? Well, you can't celebrate what you don't know. I think celebrating with people is an art that we've lost. I think that it is one more symptom of how we have lost so much relationally. I believe that taking the time, and it doesn't take much time at all, to mark down a date and then act on it, I think it tells people that they are important. That they are seen and known and valued by you. HOW? I have an app. In that app is birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days. Some of the people in my app I don't have contact with anymore. (Remember, I've been doing this for a long time). But even then, on their birthday I think about them. This app can remind you in advance of an upcoming birthday/event, as well as on the actual day. I also put a lot of the special dates in my planner. Maybe you put them in your phone calendar or in your reminder app. Whatever place will work so that you will actually be reminded. WHAT? For the people that I am close to - close friends and family - I send cards. For other friends, I send them a nice text (often with a fun Bitmoji) and ask them what they are doing to celebrate. We try to call my aunts, uncles, and cousins, and I try to video chat with my nieces and nephews. At the very least I record a video of me wishing them a happy birthday or whatever the event is. Think Outside The Box Besides birthdays and anniversaries, there are one-time things you can collect. Maybe you know a friend has a big interview or test coming up. Set that in your calendar and pray for them. Or maybe you know someone who is trying to kick a habit or addiction. Each month that they stick with not doing it, celebrate with them. It doesn't have to be big. Just be an encouragement. There is so much in life to celebrate. We don't need to confine it to birthdays and anniversaries. Please start collecting dates. Please make it a priority to mark special occasions and remember to celebrate them with the people in your life. Let's make people feel valued and known. Let's bring back the art of celebrating things together. How do you mark special days? What is your favorite way to collect dates? Maybe your methods will inspire others and help them start the process.
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Hi! I'm Sarah!
I am a natural light portrait photographer. I've been taking photos since 2014 and would eat a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe for lunch everyday if I could. Thank you so much for stopping by. I blog about sessions, things I'm learning, stuff in my life, and information for YOU, my client. If you like what you see around the site, I'd love to work with you! I'd also love to connect with you on Instagram. I'm @sarah_jayne_photo :) Archives
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