This time of year makes me want to celebrate – summer, Independence Day, farmers markets, birthdays, graduations, National Doughnut Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day – all the days!  When the weather is consistently nice and everyone is drawn to the outdoors, there is a sense of community and friendliness that seems to pull even the most recluse neighbors together. The sunshine seems to shine inside and out of people.  I went for a walk the other day and every person I passed greeted me with a reciprocal hello or smile.  It was wonderful!  I felt energized from the walk physically and my emotional cup was filled as well.

I love celebrating!  It doesn’t need to be a big production.  The smallest of gestures can create a bit of excitement.  Special foods, pretty candles, an unexpected banner and watch out for cards in the mail with confetti! Taking a moment to do an unexpected something for another generates a heart flutter.  How can you not get a bit of joy from making someone smile?

We can easily celebrate the holidays.  We wear the T-shirts, go to the festivals or buy the cupcakes.  Have you tried celebrating an ordinary day?  We all have different gifts.  In addition, we all have different love languages.  Doing for others may be a stretch out of our comfort zone.  It means we may have to grow our safety bubble to include others.  However, the extension beyond ourselves will bring unexpected reward.  Send a card to a friend for no reason.  Tip generously.  Leave a treat on a co-worker’s desk with an anonymous note of appreciation. Buy the coffee for the person behind you in line.  Small gestures are followed by big smiles.

Today, you may have woken up in a mood.  There is no reason to celebrate.  Perhaps, life has thrown you a few curve balls and you’re overwhelmed and a bit disheartened.  Finding a reason to celebrate will make a difference.  Start simple with doing something out of the ordinary for yourself.  Have coffee on the porch instead of in your kitchen.  Take out the pretty napkins just for you.  Pick a bunch of flowers on a walk or buy a bouquet from the local shop.  I found tulips for $3 the other day and it made me smile to have those beauties in the kitchen.

During my years of living solo with my son away at college, I forced myself to go for the bike ride, walk to the park or visit the farmers market.  The small adventures helped me find reasons to celebrate every day.  As an introvert, it also stretched my social muscles outside of myself.  I met people and those brief interactions of sharing a smile brought immeasurable joy.

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July – another BIG celebration in our country!  Enjoy the parades, the picnics and the fireworks.  After the hoopla of the day has quieted, let’s not forget all the ordinary days to follow.  Each and every one are a new reason to celebrate!