Sheila’s Take on Celebrations
It’s my birthday week! Last year my husband threw me an epic 40th birthday - totally blew me away. He flew in friends and family from all over the country, hired an amazing bluegrass band, rented out an art studio… and threw a damn party! I was very much surprised and grateful. I’m not one for big parties, but who am I to admonish someone for celebrating me? He put a lot of effort into one person. ME! It’s hard not to feel special.
One friend of mine said, “I would never let my husband do this for me.” I’m not totally sure what she meant. Was it a waste of money? An embarrassment? Old Sheila would have been offended by this statement. Ok, new sheila was also a little offended by this statement. The fact of the matter is, this party was for me, not her. So it doesn’t matter what her opinion was of a party thrown specifically for me. Sometimes it can be hard to let others celebrate you - especially if it is expensive or showy. Oftentimes it can be hard to celebrate ourselves. Why is that? Why are we so hesitant to celebrate our accomplishments - whether it be birthdays, careers, or otherwise? I recall as a child being taught to be humble. Does humble mean to ignore our strengths and gifts? Does it mean to not celebrate?
What is the real meaning of humble?
: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive. : reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission. a humble apology. 3. : ranking low in a hierarchy or scale : insignificant, unpretentious.
Can there be times in our lives where we can be humble and times in our lives where we can be proud? I think so. Antonyms for humble are brave, bold, extraordinary, outgoing, social. Sometimes we think of someone that is not humble as impolite, pretentious, conceited or egotistical. But is it possible that I can be Humble and Brave? Humble and Bold? Humble and Extraordinary? Yes, yes and yes.
Celebrating ourselves is not egotistical or pretentious. Just like celebrating someone you love is neither of those things. Celebrating is just that. Celebrating. Enjoying the moment. Enjoying the love of those around you. Enjoying the work you have done to get this far in life, in your career, in your passions.
That being said, I did not get a huge party this year. What I got was sick kids and the most comfortable socks known to man kind. While my kids were home, my son made me a birthday cake with a bottle of sprinkles on top. We sang happy birthday several times and lit a candle every day - was the candle for me or for my sons fire obsession… hard to say. But I accept. So far, I have not gotten their illness, even though I had been breathed on, sneezed on, and coughed on more times than I can count. This is what motherhood looks like. Love them through the illness. Love them through anything.
What are some ways we can celebrate our loved ones? Maybe they don’t need a big party. In fact, they probably don’t need a big party. What if celebrating your friend means sending them a text saying you love them. Or bring them a treat (sweet or otherwise). Invite a friend to go out for coffee and pay for it. Its the little things that keep us going in life. The little appreciations in life where people say I love you in different ways.
If you are reading this right now, I want you to know that I love you and I appreciate you. You are giving me a reason to do what I love - create. I love creating and knowing that you enjoy looking at my creations makes me love what I do even more.
Thank You!
Sheila’s Take on Celebrating!
