Exercising the celebration muscle

I am continually amazed by our dog Mochi’s boundless joy. No event too small to note and rejoice over. You’re awake? Fabulous. You returned to the room after 2 minutes? Partyyyyy. Did friends come over? Tail is wagging like crazy. Dinnertime? Time for a walk? Zoomies! Meet a new furry friend on said walk? Playtime! His unfettered enthusiasm reminds me to be awake to each moment. Nothing is taken for granted. 

In contrast, I notice my historic hesitation to celebrate small wins. Finished a long neglected task? I should’ve done it sooner. New client referrals? Only celebrate after they’re months in. But it’s shifting now–focusing more on developing my character and less about the results outside of my control. New colleagues are referring to me? That’s great they’re thinking of me! Practiced feeling uncomfortable by being in new social environments, even if I didn’t become besties with the person I admire? Good work being courageous and getting out of my bubble. Owning my authority in networking events, even with awkward moments of searching for words? That’s ok, I’m human. Notice how it feels to stand in my expertise. 

I heard that athletes hold their breath until they win the competition to celebrate. Perhaps they worry about jinxing themselves? While I get this sentiment, I wonder how often they miss out on the many joys and wins along the way. A goal is still a goal, even if the other team scores more. A triumph on the balance beam is a win, even if you don’t medal. A moment of accomplishment is still an accomplishment. It is worth celebrating because you are a glorious—perhaps “gloriously awkward” as Jon Batiste would say—human being. You are human-ing, a la Luca in the Pixar movie, and worth celebrating.