Day 22

Happy National Heartbeat Appreciation Day!

Is this a real holiday? It is now!

Did I totally just make it up for this initiative? Maybe...

But is it important to me? YES.

So, what is National Heartbeat Appreciation Day?

Today, I'd like us each to celebrate heartbeats, and anyone you know who currently has a heartbeat, had a heartbeat, or will have a heartbeat. We may have a lot of differences; we may have a rich, diverse culture full of different ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, political views, health challenges, and cultural backgrounds. We all have different favorite colors. We all have different favorite flavors of ice cream, different favorite animals. We all have different favorite brands of licorice (don't get me started on that one). But the important thing is, we all have heartbeats. We are all part of the human race. Every human since the very beginning has had a heartbeat, and there will never be a day when humans can exist without one.

So today, let's appreciate this beautiful, wonderful, maybe flawed heartbeat that we've each been given. Let's take a day to appreciate that because our heart beats, we are here and experiencing all of these frightening and inspiring and eye-opening times. It isn't an easy time to be human, so let's appreciate it at it's fundamental core.

At the same time, let us also take time today to reflect on those whose heartbeats were unjustly cut short; victims of abortion, victims of crime, victims of warfare. It would be irresponsible to celebrate our heartbeats without remembering and honoring them, and it would also be irresponsible to go throughout our lives without recognizing what a precious gift we have been given in our small and persistent heartbeats.

So, what can you do today? Celebrate! Throw yourself, and everyone around you, a birthday party. Eat cake. Share it with those you love. Throw some confetti. Let everyone you know that you are grateful for them and their heartbeat. Give those you love a hug (air hugs work too...thanks coronaivurs) and feel their heartbeat, and let them know that it means the world to you.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to gush about someone whose heartbeat means a lot to me: my little brother, David. He's a meme connoisseur, sensitive soul, and has learned and overcome a lot in his lifetime so far. He makes me laugh, is the best father to our angry cat, and is as loyal as they come. Buddy, thanks for your heartbeat. You are amazing. Happy Birthday :)

Share how you choose to celebrate National Heartbeat Appreciation Day with the hashtag #nationalheartbeatappreciationday and #youmatter :)