Celebrate Joy
This weekend I was blessed to attend 2 graduation ceremonies at our local university. I had friends graduating in both ceremonies, and I loved the chance to be in the arena, to feel of the energy, the love and the optimism.
As each graduate was announced, cheers and screams burst forth from family, friends and probably complete strangers. It was that kind of an event. Yes there was decorum at the start, and structure and respect as befitting the institution of education, and the ideals for which it stands.
But when it came to the individuals, it was time to celebrate with abandon.
And I’ve realized that we don’t do that enough. Graduating college is a fantastic achievement, made possible many hours of hard work, struggle and tears. It’s a huge moment, where dreams turn into reality, and the doorway to the future swings open, full of promise and possibility.
But we don’t need to wait for monumental occasions to take time out to celebrate. We need to do that in the small victories, the quiet moments, the times when we overcome a weakness, break through a fear and recognize our worth.
Those are moments that deserve a celebration as well.
Today, I want to invite you to find a reason to celebrate. It doesn’t have to be something large; it’s almost better if it’s something small that you can overdo the celebration of.
Look at it as a chance to teach yourself how to celebrate.
Maybe put on some music, dance when no one can see you, eat something you want, buy something that you would like and can afford.
You are worth celebrating. I spent so many years of my life failing to celebrate small victories because I thought it wasn’t worth it unless it was something enormous that I could be happy about.
Don’t waste your time like that. Work hard, then celebrate harder.
In time, you can train yourself to achieve more than you thought possible, by knowing that there is a celebration just around the corner.
Celebrate you, celebrate joy, celebrate friendship, celebrate life.
And believe.
-- Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings