Make A Wish - Grasshopper

A number of years ago, I noticed something interesting about digital clocks.

Twice a day, they display the month and day of your birth. Even if you were born on February 29th.

For example, my birthday is April 16th. So at 4:16 in the morning and again at 4:16 in the afternoon, my clock displays my birthday.

And the same thing happens with yours.

Now, think about what happens when you're about to blow out the candles on your birthday cake. Someone invariably says, "Make a wish!"

Well, I took those two observations and put them together. And came up with a little practice I call "Make A Wish" . . . MAW for short.

Here's how it works.

Anytime I happen to notice the birthday of someone near and dear to me on one of my digital clocks . . . my watch, my computer, the microwave, the stove, or even the clock in my car . . . I silently make a wish for that person.

If they're with me, or I'm talking to them on the phone, I'll say it out loud.

Sometimes I'll even send them a text at the exact time the clock indicates their birth. The message simply says, "MAW" . . .  Make A Wish.

They know what it means. They know I'm thinking about them and wishing something wonderful for them.

And there's another part of this practice that I really like.

It gives you a way to remember people who are no longer here. When their birthday shows up on your clock, you can take a moment to think about them, and the warm memories they bring.

A few years ago, my seminar coordinator sent this idea to author Seth Godin. He loved the practice.

And I'd like to pass it along to you.

Start noticing when the birthdays of people you care about show up on your digital clocks. And when they do, make a wish for them.

Put a little good intention out into the ethers.

Who knows what might come of it? Perhaps something wonderful for them. Perhaps something wonderful for you.

And even if you don't believe that wishing makes anything happen, I encourage you to give it a try.

Because there's something to be said for having little reminders throughout the day to think about the people who matter to you.

And really, isn't that what this is all about?

All the best,