Why taking time to celebrate matters

A couple weekends ago, I graduated from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. After starting the journey in August 2011, I walked across the commencement stage in May 2015 to receive my Master of Divinity.

At first, I didn't want to have a big celebration because I didn't want to make a big "fuss" of it all. The truth is, there was a part of me that didn't want all the attention. That part of me wanted to play "small."

Have you ever accomplished something incredible, but then wanted to not share it with others? Do you have a gift, talent or expertise, but have been too afraid to not let people know about it?

Fear is one of the main reasons people like to play small. When I work with clients, I often hear this voice echoed in many of their concerns. "Who am I to live life full out? I don't deserve to have (this great job, wonderful relationship, fill in the blank here) in my life. If I let myself be happy, what if I get disappointed if I don't get what I want?"

Whatever the reason, you might find yourself stopping yourself from even dreaming magnificent possibilities in your life, much less taking steps towards that dream.

So what did I do about celebrating my graduation?

In the end, I decided to have a big celebration. I invited a number of friends, family, people from my spiritual community and people from my school. My mom hosted a wonderful buffet at a Chinese restaurant where we all shared and connected with each other. Later, at my mom's house, my partner Richard led the group of us in a champagne/sparkling cider toast where each person spoke about how I had impacted their lives and how much they loved me.

With all this love, my heart broke open. That's when I realized...this is why celebrations matter.

When you celebrate, it's not only you that is being celebrated. Yes, you may have made the effort. But in most cases, that effort relied on others around you.

For me, this was a celebration of my friends, my family, my community. They cheered me on, encouraged me, and supported me towards this vision of getting this degree. This wasn't just my accomplishment. This was the accomplishment of many people.

In truth, celebration is a spiritual practice because we invite a greater awareness of joy in our life. We open our hearts in gratitude for the workings of Spirit in and as our lives. When we celebrate, we affirm the feeling of YES - what we're celebrating is good, and we want more of this good in our lives.

So here's your coaching assignment for the week: 

• Where in your life can you celebrate? This doesn't have to be something as big as getting a degree. It could be the fact that you went to the gym after not having gone for a long time. Or it could be that you opened up a savings account and put $100 in there. There's something you can celebrate. What is it?
• Then find at least one other person and take some time to celebrate. Share this with your loved ones during a meal. Call someone and tell them you want to celebrate. Take a moment to receive some "Woo-hoo's" and high-fives. Celebrate!
• And then ask others what they can celebrate in their lives. Let the celebration dance continue.

Wherever you can celebrate, go ahead and celebrate. And celebrate often. 

Invite the joy of celebration into your life and the lives of those around you. Know that this Universe is a giving Universe, and that you are worthy of celebration, simply because of who you are. Namaste.

I'd love to hear about your celebrations, and any thoughts and any questions you might have about celebrations. Please leave a comment below. And if you need some extra support, know that I am available to be a listening ear and provide some guidance. Click here to contact me for some complimentary one-on-one time.

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