Who wants to participate?

Back in 2012, I started something that has become a tradition. I called it 42 Good Days, and starting on my 42nd birthday, I tried to do something nice for someone else every day for each year of my life. I've done some variation on the theme every year since.

Some years, like 2017, I go big. Other years, like last year, I keep it low key. In every case though, this little experiment helps me see past the challenges I face in my own life, and turn my focus outward.

Lots of my "good days" were little things. My very first one was helping a friend clean up her kitchen. Some of them were medium-sized things, like spending a day volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or donating to a friend's fundraiser. And along with my wife, we've done some bigger things like donating a week-long vacation and taking in refugees from Hurricane Maria.

Which brings us to this year. This year I'm hoping to try something different. I will be honest, we are pretty overwhelmed by life right now. Our blended family of five has kids ranging from kindergarten to 11th grade, and ranging from neuro-typical to severely disabled. We've had way more than our share of challenges lately, and 49 days feels pretty daunting.  I'm going to do my best, but maybe you can help.

Would you be up for joining me on this project? Would you be up for taking one day off my hands? It's pretty easy really:

1. Pick a day between October 1 and November 18
2. Do something nice on that day
3. Share your story

With your permission, I will post about it here. Tell your own story about what you did and why, and give as much or as little detail as you like. Anything from a single sentence to pictures and/or videos. The only thing I would ask is that you avoid anything political, religious, or overly controversial. This is about everyday human kindness, and motivating others to do the same.

I can tell you from experience, it feels weird to brag about doing good things. That's why some years I don't say much. But sharing really does encourage and inspire others, which is the whole point.

So who's with me?