I have learned over the years the value of celebration. I believe there are reasons to celebrate often and have learned that to celebrate takes some willingness to plan, prepare, risk, think outside the box and communicate appreciation in creative and fun ways.
cel·e·brate
verb \ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt\
: to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.
: to praise (someone or something) : to say that (someone or something) is great or important
I am grateful to have created an office environment where celebration is common. We have been known to celebrate birthdays, half way parties at 20 weeks of pregnancy, engagements and weddings, births and significant milestones. We celebrate caregivers who are faithful and sunny days. We celebrate the excitement of the first snow and delight in the melting of the last snow. We 
celebrate routine and adventure, we celebrate those who say YES to work shifts and we celebrate those who let their yes be yes and their no be no, we celebrate people of all ages!
What i have learned is that sometimes just bringing a Bigby coffee (one a cold day) or a McDonald Mc Flurry (on a warm day) or choosing to close the office a bit early celebrating extra time with family or deciding to conduct business at a friends wonderful pool (celebrating the beauty of Michigan summer days) or celebrating birthdays with fun themes (Downton Abbey) or spelling out happy birthday on tennis balls makes a person feel loved and celebrated.
I used to think celebration felt like it was a lot of work but as I have practiced I have learned that celebration can be created when someone feels seen, heard, loved and delighted in.. We recently chose to write letters of love and affirmation instead of gifts for Janet. I believe this celebrated her better than any gift would have. Words written or spoken can be such a beautiful mark of celebration.
I wonder how you celebrate.
I wonder when you have been celebrated.
I hope that you will be a trailblazer in your world of celebration. Think about how you can risk, practice and model to others that celebration is a value you hold. Celebrating doesn’t always cost money or need to be a big deal. Maybe it is a shared cup of tea because you know someone studied hard for a test. Celebrate their commitment to do well. Maybe you know someone who is working hard to live a healthy life style. Celebrate their commitment by sharing words of support. Maybe you know someone who works long hours to provide for the needs around them, invite them to lunch at your house and serve them as they put their feet up and rest, celebrating their strength.
I love celebration…..
I love that I have people in my day-to-day to celebrate with….
I love that I have received the gift of being celebrated and offered the gift of celebrating someone else.
Celebration is a beautiful life-giving thing!