If You Didn’t Celebrate Yourself Today, There’s Still Time
We are our own worst critics. That’s nothing new.
In fact, it is somewhat almost always to be expected among humans.
Personally, I don’t think there is anything wrong with striving for excellence and pushing ourselves.
But it does become a problem when our internal critics start refusing to acknowledge that at the end of the day, we are still worthy; and we have something valuable to give even if there will always been room to improve
So, to my friends, to the strangers, and to anyone else who feels like they do not deserve even the smallest compliment or celebration; because you believe deep in your heart that you have not gotten anywhere in life, and all you do is fail; I am going to tell you right here, right now, you are so, so, so wrong.
I would love to break it to you, that you are a person worth celebrating. And it’s time you do just that.
It’s time you celebrated not just the accomplishments that are signified by tangible things; like trophies, medals, certificates, and an extra zero on your paycheck. Instead, celebrate the tiny day-to-day victories that end up having more impact on the most important things. Like our well-being, how you perceive yourself, and how you ultimately feel.
Celebrate the fact that you chose to get up today. Instead of succumbing to the darkness that was inviting you to go back under the covers, and trap all the light that you are capable of shining upon the world.
Celebrate the fact that you moved your body today. Choosing to take step after step after step. Even though your legs felt like lead and it would have been easier to stay on the couch, staring at the blank grey wall.
Celebrate the fact that you ran the laundry, paid the bills, and sent that thank you note. That you ate a healthy and sustainable meal, washed the dishes, and wiped the kitchen counter after.
Celebrate the fact that you smiled at someone today. You laughed at the corniest joke ever. And you made a silly pun that deserved a good-natured eye-roll. That you said hello to a friend via text. You said yes to a coffee date. And you said no to what you perceive as a mentally exhausting excursion on a Friday night.
Celebrate the fact that you took the time to feel the sun on your skin and gulp down fresh air. That you stopped and smelled the roses, and that you admired the hidden beauty of your surroundings.
Most of all, it’s time that you celebrated your own heart. Because despite all the burden and hurt it has endured, it is still beating; reminding you that you are alive, you are fighting, and you are still here.
Because even though the cruelty of others has forced it to harden, it is still tender in nature and knows that somewhere out there, there are people who deserve the abundance of love it can provide.
And in times when you just can’t find the ability to metaphorically pop the champagne and throw confetti like it’s not a pain to clean up? Celebrate the fact that because of the incredible person you are, there are people out there who will do it for you, until you can come in and join the party.
I am cheering for you. I am betting on you. And I am celebrating you.