As I grow older, I find my desire for tangible gifts wanes. I certainly appreciate the thought and effort that goes into many of the gifts I receive (personalized gifts are a nice reminder that your friends know you), but I often find myself mentally reorganizing my home layout to reduce clutter – concluding each time in exasperation at the impossibility.
As this year is a landmark year for me, I’d like to ask for something unusual from my friends: no gifts. However, if you’re in the area, I’d like to see you; time spent in good company is priceless.
There is one other thing, however, that I can never get enough of, so if you’re so inclined to get me something, I’d like some enlightenment. Perplexed? I’ll explain further.
As we go through life, most of us learn from our experiences and mistakes. The lessons and insights vary; some of them may be universal truths, some may be very specific to a person, but I like to think we all have something to teach each other.
Most of my friends have known me a long time, and I expect that gives them insight into my strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities. Coupled with their own experiences, I thought that might give rise to unique advice or parables that only a friend might provide.
If this seems strange, well, it probably is. I was sitting around thinking about what I would really want for my birthday, and I recalled a comment from a coworker that I have an “insatiable thirst for knowledge”. I was struck by how true that was, and that while I have no trouble acquiring the kind of knowledge one can get from books, the kind of wisdom I can get is limited to living my particular life.
So for those so inclined, share a story with me, something you learned in life that you think is particularly important. Alternatively, provide some advice that you wish someone had provided you, and explain why it’s important. Insight seems very valuable to me; it can’t be purchased with money, but is instead paid for through coincidence, consequences, and the irreversible flow of time.
I even prepared an anonymous birthday survey for the hard-hitting advice and stories! I can’t see any identifying information (including IP addresses) for submissions sent via the aforementioned link. I think it avoids double submissions by IP address, though, so people with routers (most of us), can only submit one entry from home and probably one entry from work.
Also, if you think I’ve finally gone off the deep end on this one, or that I’m taking life too seriously or whimsically with this… well that’s good advice, too. 
