There is much to celebrate.

When was the last time you really celebrated? What did you do? Go to a party? Crack a bottle of champagne? Enjoy a fancy dinner? Who were you celebrating? Did someone get a promotion? Did a friend have a baby? Your spouse hit a milestone birthday? I would be willing to guess many of you can recall the last celebration you had. I would also be willing to bet the celebration was for someone other than you. Am I right?

I love a good gathering of people. It could be to celebrate something specific or even to just to find joy in being together. I love the hugs and the conversations and the loud voices. I love the excited energy and the smiles and the spiked cocktails. I mean, having an excuse to get a little buzz in something other than yoga pants is a big deal these days. I love the feeling of pure joy in commemorating an occasion.

Now, let me clarify something. I love all of it, IF it’s not about yours truly. Next year I turn forty {gasp}. Yes, it’s shocking to me too. The first thing that comes out of my lips when this is mentioned is … NO PARTY. I do not do well celebrating myself.

Can you relate? Do you find it hard to take compliments about accomplishments at work or from a friend? Do you make up excuses for why you did something well? Yesterday someone told me I was the best medical provider they had ever had. But instead of thanking them, I immediately gave credit to them, saying, “well of course, because you make it so easy!” It’s a habit built on years of practice. It’s routine to celebrate others, but dismiss myself.

This goes for large events and milestones, but also, and even worse, for the small day-to-day victories that should be acknowledged and celebrated. It is in the little things that we find everyday joy. And the everyday is what sustains us. There can be long stretches of time without the huge life events most would consider celebratory. If we wait to rejoice only on these occasions, we are missing out on happiness we should be experiencing daily.

I know, I know, sometimes it feels a little tricky to find something to live it up about on a Monday. And when you are in the middle of toddlers and poopy diapers and hearing mom as a run-on word, life doesn’t exactly feel like a party. But what about the moments when you feel a flash of pride about something? Your client gives you a heartfelt thank you, or you realize your son just held the door for everyone walking into a restaurant. What about those small instances that happen each day because you kinda kick ass, even when you feel like you don’t?

Well, my friends, THOSE are the key. Those tiny moments add up to a lifetime of gratitude and joy. They are placed at times, almost strategically, in our path to remind us we are indeed worth celebrating. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. A quick jig in the kitchen, a mental “YES, you rock!”, a nod in the mirror, anything to honor your awesomeness, just for a second. I am working to accept these instances myself, to celebrate my everyday victories. Because I know what awaits is an entire life of hugs, smiles, excitement, and a daily party just for me.