Each and every day is special in its own right and deserves to be celebrated as such. The dates with which we note our calendars hold unique meaning, especially as it involves those closest to us.

Birthdays are both individual and coincidentally shared with others; today’s date of November 29th is shared by these names (and countless others):

• Chadwick Boseman (1976-2020) / Actor played James Brown, Jackie Robinson, Black Panther
• Garry Chandling (1949-2016) / TV Actor & Comedian
• C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) / Author of Chronicles of Narnia; close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien
• Chuck Mangione (80) / Jazz Trumpeter Extraordinaire
• Howie Mandell (65) / Game Show Host of “Deal or No Deal”
• Russell Wilson (32) / Quarterback for Seattle Seahawks
• F. Drew Dellecker (1990-2017) / Captain USAF, Pilot and Maximizer of Moments

These individuals, who happen to share a special date, have made and are making their individual marks on the world. The list of contributors and myriad accomplishments continually expands with the passage of time.

A bit of online research reveals that November 29th holds certain meaning. For one thing, it is known as “the day of the instigator”. The premise is that those born on this day possess a talent to challenge others and have an ability to provoke change through their presence.

Their zodiac sign is Sagittarius. Whether one is into astrological concepts or not, it’s fun to ponder their stated tendencies:

“You are funny, articulate and extremely intuitive. You love to make people laugh and come across as fun and charming, if a little sarcastic. You have a strong sense of responsibility and worry about the future more than most. However, your sense of fun always comes shining through. You like to stay informed and on top of things. Learning about anything and everything is a life-long hobby.”

(SunSigns.org)

“Sagittarius, the half human and half horse, is the centaur of mythology, the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven. Also known as the Archer, Sagittarius is represented by the symbol of a bow and arrow.” (Wikipedia)

(Wikipedia)

In my case, I recognize in these descriptions a person I knew so well, my son for 26 wonderful years. Perhaps the reason is that I want to see these traits, but my personal reality is that they were quite evident on a daily basis. Is it a coincidence that he loved to fly and always press the limits of human experience?

A successful life is more than the measure of years. It begins on a date certain, with an end on a date uncertain. Those who live well and fully manage to leave something more behind than what existed before they arrived; for them, each day is not just another day.

Tempus Maximize!