Celebrating is a big part of my life. As a young girl, my birthday was the best day of the year for me. It was a day when I saw myself as special. No chores, my favourite meal and a party just for me. All of this added up to make my birthday a day to remember!
I still love my birthday. I see it as a time to play and to have fun. And, it is a time for me to reflect on the many things I have to thankful for. I have embraced receiving in my life, and this is especially true on my birthday. I have learned that I honour my loved ones as I receive graciously from them.
[pullquote width=”300″ float=”right”]It is not necessary to wait until a birthday or anniversary to celebrate[/pullquote]
It was my birthday a few days ago and I am inquiring into the concept of celebration as a result of this wonderful time in my life. I got gifts. I was opening cards for many days. I still have some birthday lunches to enjoy. I wonder…….Is Celebrating limited to a few special days in the year? Or is it something I can incorporate into my life on a regular basis?
I believe that celebrating is an integral part of life. It is not necessary to wait until a birthday or anniversary to celebrate.
1. Celebration increases Gratitude
When I stop to celebrate, I feel more thankful. I am aware of the abundance in my life and I appreciate what I might otherwise miss.
2. Celebration is Inspiring
I inspire myself and others when I take time to acknowledge my accomplishments, big or small. I realize how much I have learned or how hard I have worked to complete a task. I know that I am capable and strong, and that I can succeed in the future.
3. Celebration leads to the Possibility of more Creativity
I focus on what I have completed when I stop and celebrate, rather than looking at the mountain of work that remains. There is always more to be done! And, stopping along the way to breathe in the reality of what is already accomplished, gives me energy to keep going. It also moves me away from a problem-solving mindset. Instead, I put my attention to what is working well and what I want more of. From that place, I am filled with a sense of possibility.
4. Celebration is found in Nature
If you take a look at the rhythms of nature, you will see that the season of growth is followed by the harvest. Then, there is rest and hibernation before the next cycle of growth takes place. I see this as Nature taking time to celebrate. I can learn from this. Often in my life I complete a project and rush on to the next one with a barely a breath in between. My energy decreases and I wonder why I am losing my enthusiasm for my business and my life. When I choose to pause and celebrate, I allow space for rest and play. Because I do this, I am more energized and I feel excited to continue growing and creating. Celebration leads to more Creativity!
5. Celebration reminds me of who I am
It is easy for me to get lost in the day to day details of my life. There always seems to be one more thing to do. When I am in this mindset, I lose sight of who I am and what my purpose is. Celebration is a chance to name the things I have done. It reminds me of my abilities as I take stock of my accomplishments. At the same time, I am more likely to remember why I am doing what I do. This is important because it fuels my motivation and supports my devotion to the work I am called to do.
6. Celebration is Fun!
I want more lightness, laughter and play in my life. What better way to experience this than by celebrating? I enjoy celebrating with others. So, I ask for a trusted friend to join me. I listen to their reflections about how they see me, and I share my ideas. As we celebrate I feel deep connection, love and joy.
Celebration takes many forms and can be done in a variety of ways. The foundation for me is to acknowledge myself for how I got to the place of accomplishing a specific goal. What did it take for me to get here? What did I learn about myself in the process? How do I feel as I answer these questions? Who have I become as a result of my commitment and determination? And, what will I do to celebrate? I lock in the celebration by an action. I may buy a new journal. Or take myself out for lunch. Perhaps I treat myself to a special coffee. Or a massage.
You will know what celebration is right for you. Having a memory of a certain ‘gift that I give myself’ is a way that I am reminded of what it is I am celebrating.
[disclaim]I am eager to hear from you. Please leave a comment to share how you celebrate and what it means to you.[/disclaim]
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