After reading my post from last Friday, I found myself looking at life with a “glass-half-full’ perspective. In light of this, I realized that there have been a few things missing in my life. Moving into the month of February, I thought I should be more intentional in my community, staying connected present and invested in the relationships before me, and learning to create margins for the things I love most in life.
In discovering new community and adapting to a different lifestyle, I’ve become committed to developing an atmosphere where joy, laughter, and celebration happen. My personality is a bit on the serious side and I can throw pity parties for myself far too often, crashing down from my supposed expectations of perfection. Whereas, I truly long to be someone who sits around with big smiles, exudes happiness and contentment, and who is carefree. Maybe, you too, find yourself in this tension. I see the beautiful curated parties, pictures of people laughing, and buy into the lie that this is only for the weekends, for Christmases, birthday parties, or weddings. What if it wasn’t? What if there are seemingly beautiful moments that are worth laughter, stories, snuggles, and dancing in the kitchen while dinner is on the stove?
Here are some of my tips for developing a culture of celebration:
Celebrate the small victories.
Have you achieved something recently? Maybe you got everything done on your “to-do” list today, ran a faster mile, or had multiple meaningful conversations with your friends and family today. Take a moment, sit back at your accomplishments, and enjoy it! What are some of your favorite things? Maybe it’s an item for dinner, a excellent cup of coffee, and reading an excellent book. Don’t rush past the victories and move onto the next thing, the next accomplishment in straining towards excellence. Find contentment in where you are and celebrate it.
Savor the simple, relaxing moments in your day.
For me, this consists of the quiet and easing into my mornings. In order to savor these moments a bit more, I’m planning on steering clear of my phone, computer, and iPad for the first 30 minutes of the day. Instead, I’ll be replacing it with a Bible, journal, and a locally-roasted cup of coffee. This will set the course of my day, allowing me to choose joy with whatever the day may throw at me.
Don’t wait for Christmas to host a good party.
There’s something about Christmas. There are constant parties to attend, new outfits and style to have, and delicious food everywhere. Here’s something I’ve been wondering, “Why do we wait to have the people we love most over and only do it one season a year?” When you think about it, this social construct seems somewhat crazy. Sometimes we just need a good excuse to have a party. Find a reason, invite over your favorite people, put on a beautiful dress, and have yourself a good time. (For some of you, this could even mean fighting winter.)
Invest in experiences, not stuff.
I’m a girl who loves nice, new things. Shiny things. Things that still have the tags on them. I have wantlists, wishlists, and wish I could buy it lists. This is a habit I’m trying to kick to the curb. This February, I’m going to do something a bit different. I’m going to invest in experiences rather than material. This will consist of delicious food, hikes, and adventures. With temperatures in the 70s, this will be pretty easy. Trips to the Redwoods, the Bay Area, SoCal, and Yosemite are all within the next two months.
A culture shift takes time.
Every time you attempt change in your mindset or a course of direction in your current community, expect resistance. You may find it in yourself, as bad habits are hard to break. You may find it in community, as changing the course of conversation and relational ruts can be challenging. Give yourself and others grace. Communicate with those around you your process and desire to celebrate and radically live well with those around you. Discuss this with your spouse, significant others, roommates, or close friends. Thoughtfully gauge the responses of those around you. See where you can make positive change and go for it!
Cheers to you may friend! May you dare to develop a culture of celebration.