“The greatest miracle is not walking on water,
but walking on the earth with a heart full of love”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
What does it look and feel like to celebrate yourself?
This is the perfect time of year for you to ponder that question. What did you notice when you asked yourself?
Did your mind respond with thoughts of joy, happiness, love, wonder, and a desire to embrace those feelings? Perhaps you realized how far you’ve come this year—or even in your life. Celebrate! Acknowledge how much you’ve changed by making conscious choices, setting boundaries, saying no to things that don’t serve you, and putting yourself first in a loving way. By being kind and grateful, you allow yourself to revisit these feelings and hold the spirit of celebration in your heart and soul.
Some of you may have felt a constriction in your body, coupled with inner thoughts of disbelief—whispering to yourself that there’s no time for this or limiting the idea of celebration to birthdays and holidays. Perhaps you found yourself minimizing the possibility of something greater.
Sometimes, we say we don’t have a choice. We feel stuck in a spiral of energy that doesn’t serve us and keeps us trapped in anxiety, doubt, and stress. Our minds cling to old stories: I can’t leave the job. I can’t leave the relationship. I’m too old to try new things. I don’t have enough money. And yet, our heartfelt yearning is for life to be different. Taking small steps can help you gain the momentum to act.
Whichever way you responded—you’re right!
Most often, we believe what we think. I find it fascinating that when children say they can’t do something or struggle to see the love in themselves, we respond with compassion. We encourage them to take baby steps. Why don’t we extend the same kindness to ourselves as adults?
What if you could embrace life from a new perspective? It’s not too late!
Here’s the good news: we do have the ability to choose. The healthier our choices—in people, places, and actions—the more empowered we become for our own well-being and the well-being of those around us. This requires a commitment to releasing old patterns of controlling, over-giving, complaining, shaming, and blaming—of both ourselves and others.
Are you ready and willing?
What if, every day, you consciously practiced honoring and loving yourself? How might your life look and feel if you celebrated your essence—living and contributing to the world—every single day?
Celebrating and leading with an open heart energizes you. As Albert Camus said, “Life is the sum of your choices.” It’s never too late to make better choices and celebrate the wins in your heart. Shine your inner light in service to the world.
How do you begin?
Start by focusing on what’s working and do more of that.
- Make better food choices.
- Spend time with friends who bring you peace and harmony.
- Accept who you are.
- Be more heartfelt and vulnerable.
When we share the light within us, we connect more deeply with others.
Allow yourself to celebrate the magnificence of who you are. Be kind, loving, compassionate, courageous, passionate, forgiving, trusting, playful, and faith-filled. Celebrate both the wins and the challenges—because challenges are gifts in disguise.
A few tips to celebrate YOU:
- Celebrate your growth: Recognize your accomplishments and how far you’ve come. Notice where you’ve made conscious choices.
- Practice gratitude: Write down a few things you’re grateful for each day.
- Reflect on your life: Consider what you’ve learned and what you want to experience next.
- Smile: Notice how much a smile can brighten someone else’s day.
- Make a playlist: Create a list of songs that make you happy.
- Embrace beauty: Walk in nature or place flowers somewhere you can enjoy them.
- Start a joyful ritual: Set aside time for something you enjoy, like reading, walking, or spending quiet moments in meditation or prayer.
- Add joy to your workspace: Use a desktop or phone wallpaper that inspires you, such as a photo of a place you’d like to visit.
Wishing you healthy and loving choices!
