What?
This was an exercise that a past professor had me do in a group exercise. The task was to:
Think about an experience that you would like to acknowledge and celebrate every single year.
This can be any event, defining moment, or decision.
My professor’s example was a friend that celebrates his “Creative Anniversary” on August 8th every year. For this friend, it was the day that he decided he would continue to write and record original songs alongside doing whatever he needs to make money and pay his bills. It was his reminder to himself that he would continue to fulfill his love for music.
I absolutely loved this idea.
Why?
From New Years to Christmases, birthdays to anniversaries, there seems as though there are many significant days that people look forward to celebrating. There are days that, as a collective, we acknowledge for its value. However, what’s another day that we can start celebrating year after year? What’s something that’s completely personal to you, void of the standard societal recognition?
I encourage you to create one and mark it onto your calendar.
For one, who doesn’t like holidays? Dress up for the day or make yourself a nice dinner — or even if you don’t choose to do anything particularly special, it’s the recognition and appreciation that will do your soul wonders.
Second, it will help you reflect and build a stronger relationship with yourself. These defining experiences are worth thinking back to. Especially if you designate a day to ‘celebrate’ it, it will remind you of not only how far you have come, but also how the lessons can be continuously leveraged to further your current goals. Build this strong relationship with yourself. Romanticize your life.
What is something you want to start celebrating? What day will you choose?
Aside: Happy Writing Day to me!
Today conveniently marks the first celebration of my own holiday☺
A year ago, I started an ongoing Google document called “try to write every single day.” I must have only completed roughly 15–25% of my actual daily goal, but I’m nonetheless extremely proud of keeping this running text consistently by my side. It has come to mean a lot to me, and it’s a large part of the reason why I’m doing this October Writing Challenge in the first place.
So happy 1 year writing anniversary to myself, and here’s to many more!
