27 Comments

Happy Birthday! My son will be 37 this year... middle aged, eh? 🤔 I think I’m gonna take a pace out of your newsletter and do a ten things he is best at and write it up for him. Perhaps next year he can learn to be a little kinder to himself, with each year kinder still as he ages. Life is tough enough, ain’t it?

I like writing letters and keep a supply of stamps and cards as well. I write notes on a whim, a lot of the times to friends I haven’t seen for a while (covid) and some I probably write too often but probably not as much as I’d like... there’s a line... I think. Anyway, you are always welcome to be on my list of letters and cards 🤗

Again, happy birthday! I hope there’s cake and a good story for the newsletter!

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Apr 26, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Happy early birthday! I should have known that you were a fellow Taurus :) I'm on the cusp of turning 34 and may take the time to write something similar. For what it's worth, I have always been so impressed with your intentionality and presence.

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May 6, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

I love this idea! The details make you even more lovable. I really resonate with being good with one on one and thoughtfulness as a fellow introvert

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Apr 27, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

With the time difference and me opening this newsletter late, I'm not sure if I've missed your birthday or not. In any case, happy birthday Katie! 😊 Another thoughtful piece and I've loved reading this. It makes me want to write a list of 10 things I like about myself as well, though I'm realising now I'd have far fewer qualms about it than you do. The idea doesn't make me cringe at all. Rather it makes me puff up with pride. My only concern is how to frame it in such a way that my readers get something from it as well! I'm not sure what takeaway to take from that... 😂

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Apr 27, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Happy birthday, Katie! I love your list — and those stamps, which I recently bought, too. Did you know the USPS also sells an embossed notecard set with that artwork — AND stamps to go with it? (I would never have known if not for making a rare online stamp order.) Could be a good birthday gift to yourself to keep the thoughtfulness meaningful in the year ahead! Celebrate yourself!

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I just love this. We should all be able to do this without apology! One I find particularly interesting is "I'm trustworthy" because I have worked with this idea for a decade. I always think of Oriah Mountain Dreamer's poem, "The Invitation", and this section:

"It doesn’t interest me

if the story you are telling me

is true.

I want to know if you can

disappoint another

to be true to yourself.

If you can bear

the accusation of betrayal

and not betray your own soul.

If you can be faithless

and therefore trustworthy."

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Apr 26, 2022·edited Apr 26, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Happy birthday to you, Katie! I loved this issue, especially number four as a fellow crier at earnest displays of joy. And I know I need to take some time to come up with my own list, after cringing at the suggestion that we share our own (even though I LOVE reading these type of lists by others)!

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Happiest of birthdays!!!

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Apr 26, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Happy Birthday!! Wow what a great idea to celebrate another year! I loved reading your list! I’m going to try and make my own list but man my first reaction in even thinking about this for myself is definitely one of horror (that’s a bit dramatic but you get the idea). Thanks for being you and for being an awesome neighbor and bookish friend! I am so happy to know you; you are definitely a person who leaves others better from having met you! I hope you have a great birthday!

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Apr 26, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Happy birthday 🎂 also, good for you for writing about what is hard yet should be easy. Growth and self esteem are so important on our life journey and you're doing it! Xoxo.❤️

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Apr 26, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

I love most of your choices; I'm indifferent to those I don't love, but I especially admire your courage in going public with this. It seems your brain isn't all that dumb after all.

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deletedApr 28, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar
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