Like most people, I have a tendency to complain too much. I have to make a deliberate effort to remind myself that even my worst day is better than most days for much of the world's population. My boys have never been truly hungry and they've never gone without the things they need. I am blessed beyond measure.

For much of the world, clean water is a luxury. This just should not be. Children should not die for lack of clean drinking water. So this year, for my 40th birthday, I want to ask my friends and family to make a donation to charity: water to help bring clean water to parts of the world where simple technologies like filters and wells can save millions of lives.