Celebrate Yourself!

Something clicked for me pretty late in 2024 when a few weeks ago I decided to take myself out on a Friday night after a big week at work.  I chose this cute coffee/drinks spot called The Soiree in Hell’s Kitchen (Midtown Manhattan).  I got a Mezcal Negroni drink and was just sitting with my journal and headphones in, journaling to a chill R&B/Blues playlist.  (see picture below of my delicious drink!)

This was a very conscious experience of authentic self-celebration.  As I was writing and enjoying my drink, I felt a distinct warmth and love.  I was fully present and content.  I felt like I was actually absorbing the feelings, rather than resisting them and swatting them away.  It was a new feeling - I guess it just took me longer than I would have wanted to find something that worked for me.  Thankfully, my “gut” knew this time was real. 

Friday night at the Soiree :)

As 2024 ended and we “start fresh” in 2025, it’s a natural time to celebrate – being with people you love, just surviving the year, for big changes that happened, or for coming out stronger.  There is no doubt you have much to celebrate, so take stock and feel that celebration and love! 

Here are some questions you can ask:

• What were some highlights, some of the best memories you enjoyed?

• What did you accomplish?

• What did you learn? 

• What made this year significant in the story of your life? 

• What or who were you grateful for?

Processing the good of this year, and weaving it into your story, is helpful to keep yourself and your life in perspective.  It also allows you to powerfully step into what is next for yourself, having taken some key victories and learnings with you, preparing to take the next steps in your life. 

Some Science on Celebration

From HBR:  "Celebrating small wins stimulates dopamine release in the brain, a feel-good chemical that reinforces the learning experience and strengthens our sense of connection to those we work with. Change and growth are promoted through positive emotions more than through disciplined practice. Keep in mind that celebration is an experience and, in the workplace, it is most effective when shared with colleagues.”

Here’s what I learned about celebration this year (me taking a picture below to commemorate finishing my first journal!):

• Celebration is a show of self-love – most of us achievers don’t take the time to celebrate because we’re never good enough.  Celebration is saying to yourself, “nice work, you deserve your success”, “way to work hard”, and “you’re worth it.” - in contrast to that hyper-achiever message of never enough.

• Celebration can be big or small, and for any reason you deem meaningful – Don’t skimp out on celebrating even small things, and in small ways.  One time I celebrated with my favorite kombucha drink…or an expensive acai bowl…or just sharing an accomplishment with my friends.

• Make your celebrations personal to YOU – Celebrate in ways that mean something to you.  Don’t do what you see on social media, or what other people think you should do to celebrate.  Does rewarding yourself with playing video games all night feel right?  Great, do it! Just make sure you are true to yourself for what feels like a celebration and self-acknowledgment. 

• Celebrate with Others, and Celebrate Others – It’s always better to share your celebrations with others, receive and give acknowledgment, and give yourself an extra boost.  We all need that social approval and belonging, and we owe it to ourselves to celebrate others’ success as our own.

Make 2025 a year where you celebrate any progress you make – you owe it to yourself, and it’ll keep you beating those bad New Year resolution odds. Some inspiration:

For Learning and With Love,

Chris