Here’s your opportunity to think about how you would like to have a fun and wholesome good time with good news. When it comes to celebrating, most of the time, we go out to dinner, to a movie, or just put up our feet and do absolutely nothing for at least part of the day. These are fine simple ways to say to yourself, “Congratulations.” Yet, celebrating is much more than just saying, “Wow, I’m so glad that job is over, and I don’t have to think about it for another six months.”
Celebrating involves some creative thinking in order to get out of our routine rejoicing rut we’ve been accustomed to for so many years. Are you ready to have fun with some planning? If so, check your “this is just more work” attitude at the door and say hello to your long dormant creativity and confidence-building for really celebrating! As Zig Ziglar, notable motivational speaker, quips, “Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking the tartar sauce with you.” Creativity comes alive with that kind of confidence! Are you ready? Let’s get started.
Throughout each month this year, certain life skill topics have been covered—Relationships/Core Values, Time Management, Career/Money Management, Recordkeeping, Home/Vehicle/Possessions, Housekeeping, Wellness, Meals, Childcare, Recreation/Entertainment, Reflection—and this month, Celebration.
As you followed along this year, you have focused on your core value, how you use your time, your career choice, how you spend your money, keep your records, take care of your possessions, clean your house, reach for higher wellness, more enjoyable, nutritious meals, nurture your children, choose wholesome entertainment and outdoor recreation. As you reflected on these life skills, you have come away with a greater awareness, understanding, and commitment to the life you want to seek, reach, and achieve.
This month it’s time to celebrate your personal wins in those life skill areas. So, choose which areas you and your family would like to celebrate throughout the December holidays and beyond. But remember, don’t fill this month so full you lose the simple pleasures of quiet moments by yourself and with your own family.
Here are a few sample ideas from three life skill areas to consider any time:
Time Management
Goal accomplished—Mom and Dad were able to cut down ten extra hours of work per week away from home in order to have the family together more often.
Celebration—Children, Jason and Mary, decide to treat parents to a night out with “the kids", all expenses paid “by the kids” (e.g. dinner and a show; dinner and miniature golf; a day at Fiesta Texas Entertainment Park or some other theme park).
Career/Money Management
Goal accomplished—As a sideline, passion, and possible future career, Dad finally finished writing and publishing his first fictional short story.
Celebration—Mom and the kids arrange a surprise writer's party for Dad. House decorated accordingly; even dressed up as the characters in his story. Being wildly creative to tell Dad how great he is.
As you confidently create simple and elaborate celebrations for you and your family, remember to celebrate each moment, the gift of this day, and the breath you breathe. You will then begin to experience the simple joys and treasure of relationships you may have taken for granted. But no longer!
Resources:
Celebrations That Touch the Heart: Creative Ideas to Make Your Holidays and Special Events Meaningful by Brenda Poinsett. WaterBrook Press (October 16, 2001)
Roses: Beautiful Ideas for Home and Celebration by Antonia Swinson. Ryland Peters & Small (January 15, 2006)
Sweet Smarts for Sweethearts: Savvy Advice & Fun Ideas for Celebrating Love Honor Books (December 2004)
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