What is a celebration to you? How often do you celebrate? People often associate celebrations with a holiday or event. However, I am a strong believer that there are many more reasons than that to celebrate. Celebrations can be as big as the joining together of two individuals that were meant for each other or as small as that feeling you get when your number is finally called at the DMV, yes you are celebrating inside. There are many definitions for the word celebrate. One of the meanings that stuck out for me was - celebrate is to observe a notable occasion. Notable occasion? What is that? Is everything that is notable for me going to be notable for you? Sometimes, but not always.

Say you were in the doctor's office waiting patiently for your turn. You notice this cute baby sitting on the floor playing around without a care in the world. She awkwardly comes to her feet, takes two steps, and then falls to the ground. No big deal, for you. However, you look up to see this woman smiling and laughing as she picks up the baby and hugs her so tight. This woman and you have just witnessed the exact same act, yet you feel nothing and she is nearly in tears. Those were her baby's first steps; she is celebrating now and will be later when she calls all her family and friends to let them know. To this mother, that was a notable occasion, to you it was nothing.

Most people often celebrate the usual holidays and events. But is that all you are celebrating? I hope not. I hope you are taking the time to count the blessings in your life. Look back on the past few months. Have you celebrated anything besides a common holiday or event? I challenge you to find something out of the norm this month to celebrate. Find that notable occasion for you. Then work your way up to three times a month, then every week. Before you know it, every day you will find something to celebrate. Every day will become what it is, a blessing. I know horrible things in life happen and it sucks sometimes. You never know what tomorrow might bring so find something to celebrate today.

Amanda Bradley once said - "Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living." Remember, there's always a reason to party!