On February 6th, I'm turning 31.

Last night I sat in bed last compiling my birthday wish list. If you aren't already aware, I am a HUGE gift person. I love gifts. They make me feel loved and special. February is my favorite month of the year because it is a month of gift receiving. First I have my birthday, then Valentines Day, and then Ben and I celebrate our anniversary. Jackpot for me!

As I was thinking through all the things I want it occurred to me what a luxury it is to be laying in a cozy bed recounting what I had already received in gifts this past Christmas and looking forward to more gifts. I was stunned (and not for the first time) at my own consumer mentality. To what end? What was I accomplishing except compiling more articles that most often eventually got replaced? For a moment I told myself that it was just the way our culture worked so I shouldn't feel bad about the excess. True, guilt certainly isn't the answer, but action is, I decided; meaningful action. I reminded myself that I was not powerless to affect change, and the truth of that perhaps obvious realization filled me with much more excitement than any wish list I could have compiled.

I decided I wanted nothing this year, except to make some positive change in the world. I want to be less of a receiver and more of a giver. I feel like the ripe age of 31 is as good a place as any to start.

My resolution called to mind an organization I am aware of called charity: water. A few years ago I found out that millions of people don't live to see their fifth birthdays because they don't have access to clean water.

This year I'm celebrating my birthday in a different way. One that will change the world for the better. Celebrate with me.

What I want for my birthday this year is simply $31 from everyone who would like to join me in celebrating life -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to raise $5,000.

Please join me to make this birthday count.

Love and hugs to you all. Thank you for celebrating with me.

Amanda Langhans