Celebration: Not Just for the Special Anymore!

“Celebrate-verb:   To do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday etc.”  Definition by Meriam-Webster

“Celebrate-verb:  1.  To raise a glass (flute, stein, shot glass, wine goblet, red cup) in honor of a special occasion.  2.  To acknowledge yourself, your efforts, your life as often as possible.”   Definition by AnneMary Schram

I am prompted to write about celebrating today because it is my sister’s birthday AND the eve of my birthday month.  I began to ask myself why celebrate for only one day when I cancelebrate for a month?  I still concur with that thought AND I know now that is important tocelebrate daily!  For the record, that doesn’t necessarily mean raise a glass daily (but it could)…I now celebrate in many ways…more on that later.

First to the WHY?  Why celebrate?  We are all familiar with celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, babies, holidays, even wakes/funerals.  When we come together as a group, we feel a sense of belonging, love, community, relationship.  These celebrations fulfill us in many ways.

So why not celebrate more?  Good question, right?  Scientific studies show that those whocelebrate daily show significant benefits, such as:

• A transformed outlook on life
• More alert, enthusiastic, determined
• More optimistic, energetic
• Less depression and stress
• More creative and resilient
• Better health (including better/more sleep)

I don’t need scientific proof to know that when I celebrate daily, I feel more motivated, confident, courageous, and happy.  I practice more self love which benefits everyone (trust me!!).

I celebrate so much, some days I feel like I have a party going on in my head!

One of my favorite celebrations is with my clients.  We really slow down, pause, and feel an accomplishment, a success, a “failure”, a learning, a risk.  We might acknowledge it with a “woot woot” yelp, a high five,  a “you go girl”, a hug.  We celebrate!! My clients have told me (and I know from personal experience) these celebrations keep them (me) moving!

I knew (know) I wanted (want) more celebrations so now I slow down, pause, acknowledge and celebrate a lot!  The celebration doesn’t have to be over a major event and/or have a grandiose reward.  For example:

• My husband gets home from work…a big hug and kiss.
• I empty the dishwasher…a nice piece of fruit.
• I finish/post my blog on Friday…toast with an “adult beverage”.
• I work out at the gym…15 minutes in the sauna.
• I get a new client…Champagne!

You get the idea!?!  Look for ways to celebrate on a daily basis!  Notice the impact!  I’d love for you to share about it in the comments!

P.S.  I will be doing #1 of my definition above several times during my birthday month!