“Look in the mirror and find something about yourself that’s positive and celebrate that!” – Tyra Banks
One thing we can all do more of is celebrate life. Everyday is worthy of celebrating, appreciating, and savoring fully. There are so many wonderful things going on around us, so much beauty, and so many creative, talented people. Everyday merits a party of its own.
Most of us put off our celebration until some later date. Perhaps we want to earn a certain level of income, a particular job, or a new relationship. Many of us determine that when those things happen, then we will live more fully.
This is a habit that we learned growing up. We were told that we must wait until our birthday, or a big holiday, before we could let loose and party. We might have also been rewarded for good grades or winning the big game. Either way, we were encouraged to believe that celebrations must be earned.
One of the great tricks of living an inspired and successful life is to start celebrating now. When we take the time to celebrate the small victories that we experience every day, we become more receptive to the good that is happening all around us. We can celebrate the beauty that surrounds us, or the gift of being alive. When we feel happy and beautiful, the world reflects these things back to us.
So many students that are struggling in school are starving for celebration. They have fallen into the rut of believing that their lives are not worth celebrating. This could not be farther from the truth.
Celebrating and appreciating the good in life has a double benefit. We get to feel better and we bless others in the process. When I work with students, it is often the little things I say to students, out of sincere appreciation, that touch them the deepest.
I had a student who was constantly involved in the drama going on around her. She is very empathetic and became easily tangled in the negativity of others. To some it appeared that she was a dramatic person. What I saw was someone, like myself, who is very good at feeling what others are going through. I saw a therapist in the making, who had not yet learned to harness and utilize her gifts.
As we worked together, I was able to highlight her strengths and share some strategies for using her gifts while taking care of herself at the same time. Over time, her smile grew brighter and her success reflected her improved self image. It was easy for me to encourage her because I had taken the time to appreciate myself and my life.
If you are waiting for something outside to change before you celebrate, drop the deadline. Start celebrating your life now. You have much to be grateful for, and the world is waiting for the gifts you have to share. The better you feel, the more fully you will give of yourself. Your life will reflect this back to you in better than expected ways.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.