In early February this year, Arsenal FC faced Liverpool FC in a highly anticipated football match, which ended with Arsenal securing a 3-1 victory. The Arsenal players were understandably overjoyed with the win and took the time to celebrate with the fans who had come out to support them. However, their celebrations were criticised by some football pundits, who accused them of being too excessive. The critics argued that, as professional players, the Arsenal team should have immediately headed back to the locker room to prepare for their next challenge, rather than wasting time basking in their win. However, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, defended the team’s actions. He stated that players should be allowed to enjoy their victories and celebrate with the fans, as it was a significant achievement that deserved recognition. Despite his defence of the celebrations, Odegaard emphasized importance of remaining humble and focused on the next game. For him, the win was not just a reason to celebrate but it was also a reminder of the team’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
Though a simple football scenario, it reminded me of how it is easy for us to be too quick to move on to situations worth celebrating in life. We live in a very fast-paced world and even time to celebrate our birthdays seems like a luxury for some, let alone small wins in the office, at school or in relationships. Now if we can’t express gratitude and joy for being alive and making even the smallest step in the right direction, when will we know when to celebrate? It got me thinking about different milestones in life; some of which I see how I celebrated while others could have been done better. I’m not saying we should throw a party every time you smash those KPIs or achieve the marks at school- but if you can, why not? Celebrating success for yourself and others around you can be something as simple as a verbal cheer or acknowledgement of tasks crossed off, a workout done, a business started or a job interview planned.
Celebrating for you. If anything, you need to do this for yourself. Ever pointed at a mirror and had your reflection pointing right back at you? Yes, I am writing this too knowing that I need to do this more as a form of self-care. This helps you set aside physically, mentally and emotionally to recharge, refresh and appreciate yourself. Perhaps on this journey of celebration, you find the right mental space to unwind and decompress and recognize more things about yourself- strengths and weaknesses. In the long term, an emotional reboot is always important after a long season of sweat and hard work to not burn out. I imagine that a major transition from high school to university without waiting for results, celebrating and reframing for the next stage would leave one exhausted and dull. Instead, we finish one stage in life and relish all that we have accomplished (whatever that is!), we need to show ourselves appreciation. So give yourself that pat on the back – you deserve it!
“You are you. Now, isn’t that pleasant?”
Dr. Seuss
Celebrating is not only about caring but also about sharing. It’s in the acknowledgement of leaps in life that you enjoy with family and friends how far you have gone to where you are. It gives people a chance to join in with you in celebration and vice versa. What better time to remind you that you are never on your own? You have a community rooting for you and motivated to share in your success. That’s why whether completing primary school, high school or even your tertiary education- you will have your whole village reach out to you to congratulate you if they are not already on the way to hoist you up in the air! And from personal experience, we only ever realize how much we should celebrate ourselves when we share our wins with those we love. If left to your strength and choice, you may not do it as much justice.
Last, but not least, a celebration is a beautiful opportunity to cultivate a habit of gratitude towards God. It allows us to reflect on our journey and be thankful for all He has done for us while keeping our hearts and minds focused on Him. It’s not just a wonderful feeling but also a compass it keeps us on the right path. We can often become distracted by the excitement at that time and forget that our achievements are not solely due to our strength, provision, or might. Celebrating reminds us to appreciate ourselves, and those around us, and above all, to thank God. So whatever it is this quarter, month, week- don’t forget to celebrate!
“Take a moment to celebrate yourself, how far you’ve come, where you’re going, your accomplishments, your courage and your strength. Never forget, you are amazing.”
Unknown
Tonerre's Word 