As summer transitions to fall, there is a natural change in the rhythm of our lives. There may be certain things that have shifted that we must release, like autumn leaves changing color and then falling off the tree. Certain expectations and goals may remain unmet, leaving us feeling stuck or even facing failure gremlins that like to hibernate in our best-laid-intentions.
Instead of mourning what has been lost or feeling weighed down by what hasn’t happened yet, this month we invite you to pause and ponder what moments you can honor and celebrate now. Together, let’s reclaim a sense of purpose in the middle of the uncertainty as we stand firm against common “Celebration Saboteurs” that try and steal our joy!
Three Common Celebration Saboteurs
We’ve been told from a young age that we need to set goals and go after them. Yet, celebrating these accomplishments isn’t often modeled or honored. In our busy lives, rather than making time to celebrate our wins, we tend to make excuses like…
“Oh, it’s not a big deal…anyone could have done that!” (Diminishing)
“I’m too busy to stop and celebrate now. There’s always something else to do!” (Avoiding)
“Won’t others think I’m selfish if I brag about what I’ve done?” (Fearing)
When we are diminishing, avoiding, or fearing our life, we stop living it.
We give our power away to these three Celebration Saboteurs instead of using our influence for good. Instead of living by these sabotaging messages, it’s time to:
STOP diminishing who you are and what you do
NOTICE your positive contributions and everyday wins, and
CELEBRATE what’s amazing and even ordinary about your life!
Take a Moment to Reflect
As we near the end of summer, what are you proud to have done, started, or changed in your life?
Maybe you started writing that BIG proposal to a new client…
Or finally finished organizing your garage…
Or simply gave yourself more time and space to be present with your family this summer…
While we often feel like we need to accomplish something BIG to be worthy of acknowledgment, we encourage you to shift the focus to smaller-scale celebrations this month and everyday wins like getting green lights when you’re running late or finally matching ALL the socks in the load of laundry!
These are the extraordinary, yet still quite ordinary, moments that help us rebuild some joy, whimsy, and connection amidst the current chaos and confusion we may be struggling with.
How Do You Celebrate?
What special traditions have you created to honor significant moments? Maybe you always order red velvet cake on your birthday or sing the Star Spangled Banner out loud as a family before the Super Bowl. Whatever makes these moments special, cherish and appreciate them!
If you want to create some celebratory customs of your own, take a moment and consider the following:
What special events are important in your life? Which ones are you already celebrating? Are there any that need more attention?
How do you like to be acknowledged? What makes you feel appreciated? (e.g. verbal praise, personal gifts, planned surprises, private dinner, etc.)
If you could spend the day doing anything your heart desired, what would you do?
Based on these responses, take the time to dream up a new way to celebrate and consider who’s support you may need to enlist. We'd love to hear what you create!
Celebration doesn’t have to be a big, outward gesture.
It often is done in quiet moments of self-reflection and acknowledgement that invite us to pause and ponder how we’re feeling and what we’re proud of. Today, carve out some space for celebration in whatever way feels genuine and right.
