This just might be the best Birthday Month. Ever.

Seriously.

Who would have thought that – in a pandemic – my birthday month could have reached this level of awesomeness. Not even I.

When I launched my Birthday Month of Connections, I thought it would be a fun way to gather with people, talk to them about my business, and share some of my favorite activities. But what came about from these series of virtual parties was much more.

I’ve had an utterly delightful time reconnecting with with old friends in new ways. (This month has practically been a college reunion with friends scattered across the country I haven’t seen in 25 years!) I’ve made new connections with colleagues and clients who are doing beautifully hard things to transform themselves and their work during the pandemics of COVID-19 and institutional racism. I’ve talked with parents, teachers, and pastors who are working to form young people into leaders who are aware, conscientious, empathic, and assertive.

I received unexpected gifts of Jeni’s Ice Creams and a Baby Yoda travel coffee mug! (My morning coffee is now powered by The Force!) I’ve shared favorite treats with friends. I’ve ridden my bike, practiced and taught yoga, and have done meaningful work. I had to raise the goal on my birthday month fundraiser because my friends are so generous. (You can still give to World Central Kitchen, btw.)

I couldn’t ask for much more.

Birthday Month 2.0 has amped up my annual ritual in ways I couldn’t have imagined. New constraints — such as a pandemic — inspire incredible creativity. In this case, it helped me connect with even more people during my annual celebration, create even more ongoing spaces for connection (Yay for Coffee Club Reunion!) and foster relationships that will be mutually supportive for months and years to come.

Though I may have been doing it a little differently this year, it has reminded me of what Birthday Month has always been about — connection, community, and creativity. I already can’t wait for next year!

There’s still one #BirthdayMonthOfConnections event left! Watch a movie with me on Thursday, August 27, 2020. The movie: A Fish Called Wanda. The snacks: whatever you have on hand. The event is free, but registration is required to get the Zoom link. More here.

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If you’re still in the mood to connect and learn more about what I’m up to, consider signing up for one of my three FREE September webinars where we’ll be exploring how to manage teams during challenging times. Topics include Visioning (Sept 16, 2020), Reflection (Sept 23, 2020), and Growth (Sept 30, 2020). Attend one or join all three!