More Celebration & Make it Meaningful :)
Are you ready for a year of more joy? If we’re lucky enough to have new turns around the sun; it’s so important to celebrate. And meaningful celebration is the best – it’s what we remember, and it’s what puts a smile in our hearts. My friend is celebrating her 60th birthday. She’s bringing together old friends and new and marking the milestone. I encourage you to do the same, whenever the inspiration arises.
Though time is one thing we do not control, we can not only appreciate but celebrate the special moments, large or small, that are here right now.
If you like the concept but could use some fresh ideas for some meaningful celebration, read on. One caveat, it doesn’t have to be a birthday that you celebrate. Any occasion (new home, leaving a job, new beginnings etc.) that is meaningful to you, counts.
Play, laughter and good people are a mix that create a GREAT experience. Let’s explore:
Choose a Meaningful and Fun Activity
- Do you have a favorite hike, or restaurant, or class that you enjoy? Invite a friend, or a few.
- Maybe there’s a day trip that you’ve been wanted to find time for. Take it, and then have a wonderful dinner, complete with blowing out candles, and recording the moment.
- If you love dance, art, theater, or a special band, get some tickets to a show and celebrate with dear friends. Choose what's most meaningful to you.
- Have a nature adventure. Go swimming in a favorite lake, or otherwise immerse yourself in the landscapes you love.
Design the occasion around what brings you joy...
Create a Card That is Meaningful
If a friend’s birthday is coming up. ditch the store-bought crudely sarcastic/belittling cards that present people as weak, decrepit or embarrassing to be around. So ageist; and so off base for people who are engaged and vibrant. Let’s not support that tired old narrative. Instead, consider a blank card where you add a personal and uplifting message. It could even be something as simple as “You’re the Best!!”with a photo of you both together.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
It can be thrilling and life-affirming to try something new or revisit something you used to love,
- If you’ve had a goal of walking the Camino de Santiago, plan to do it as a gift to yourself. Train, plan and prepare to meet new friends along your path.
- If a tandem skydive seems has been a meaningful item on your bucket list, make it happen.
- Sign up for a river rafting day to experience nature’s power with a few close friends.
- If horseback riding or roller skating is something you have always loved but have not prioritized in years, plan to celebrate with some good friends, then go out to a special restaurant together.
Make it Meaningful by Giving Back
- Choose a charity and invite your friends to donate to support your cause. This can be done easily on social media. And don’t forget to mark the occasion with something kind you do for yourself too.
- Often charity events auction a Cooking Class with a great chef. If you purchase that, have friends over for a special experience.
Take a Celebration Trip
Plan to go to a place that is meaningful to you and celebrate the occasion with people who you love.
Some examples:
- If there’s a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, research it in advance, and make it happen!
- Renew your vows with your partner somewhere that has meaning for you.
- Celebrate with your family or close friends on a family vacation or lunch cruise.
- Take a mother-daughter trip to a new city or area. My daughter suggested this a few years ago, and it was so special, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Give Yourself a Memorable "Me Day" Celebration
If you are running on overwhelm and need to recenter, that may be priority #1.
- Book yourself a spa day (or a few).
- Or celebrate you at a beautiful hotel, perhaps inviting a friend to join you for dinner.
Throw/Attend a Celebration Party
- It could be a themed dinner, with a dress code: western, black or white, vintage, 80’s, tropical – whatever your heart desires. It could be at your home or a friend’s home or backyard.
- Consider having a mocktail or cocktail of the evening.
- Put together a playlist with meaningful songs that match the theme.
- Optional: Set up a Karaoke machine.
- Invite a psychic or numerology expert to give readings to you and your friends.
Be open to spontaneity, playfulness and feeling of connection…
When you know that you can create your own happiness, you will experience more of it. Don’t wait for other people to create experiences for you. You know more than anyone what resonates most for you.
So, get it started, invite a few people you care about to jump in, and see what you all can cook up. Make yourself smile, spread the love, and notice how that becomes contagious. To your joy…
How do you plan for meaningful celebrations? What was your favorite one ever?Share in the comments below.
Related blog : 7 Ways to Get Happier as We Get Older