Why Not Celebrate Life?
We’ve embraced bucket lists as a cultural phenomenon—a checklist of adventures and dreams we want to tackle before we kick said bucket. Life Reviews, meanwhile, have crept onto the scene, offering us a way to reflect, recalibrate, and gain clarity about what’s truly important. But there’s one glaring omission in this trio of life milestones: a Life Celebration.
Let’s affirm it--life is good, the world is amazing, and we don't appreciate it enough. Even those of us who truly do appreciate our lot in life, we don't show enough gratitude.
Now, I could regale you with the story of my life, framed as a tragic tale. You’d nod sympathetically as I recounted episodes of depression, anxiety, grief, and attention deficiency, marveling at how I’m still standing. “How do you even function?” you’d ask, wide-eyed. And I’d shrug modestly, accepting your awe.
Or, I could tell you the story of my magical, charmed existence—the serendipitous moments, the inexplicable twists of fortune. You’d lean in, enchanted, and agree that my life has been a delightful mosaic of wonder.
Here’s the kicker: both stories are true. But which one I tell—and how I tell it—is entirely my choice. Neuroscience and psychology have plenty to say about why we’re wired to lean on the tragic tale, but here’s the epiphany: I don’t have to. And neither do you.
From Reviewing Life to Celebrating It
So, where am I going with all this? Just as we create bucket lists to inspire adventure and Life Reviews to help us gain perspective, we should also have Life Celebrations to honor the beauty, meaning, and inexplicable joys of the journey.
I hope you agree that there are inexplicable joys along the way. If you doubt it, then I wish you that joy, and I offer the only advice that I have to give on the subject--you will find inexplicable joy if you look for it.
Life Reviews, by the way, are not just about nostalgia or dredging up regrets. They’re about understanding. Studies suggest that reflecting on life helps us see the threads that connect our experiences, allowing us to learn from the past and make sense of who we are.
Life Reviews foster gratitude, offer closure for unresolved conflicts, and provide a sense of peace. It’s like taking inventory of your life’s emotional treasures—and realizing how rich you truly are.
But why stop at reflection? Why not move to celebration?
The Case for a Life Celebration
We already celebrate birthdays—milestones marking our journey around the sun. A Life Celebration might be similar, but with significant differences: a formal, ritualized way to honor the life you’ve lived so far.
Think of it as a personal festival of joy and reflection. Imagine friends and family gathering not for a farewell party or an obligatory anniversary dinner but for a heartfelt celebration of your existence.
Here are a few ideas to kick-start this beautiful tradition:
The Story Circle: Invite loved ones to share their favorite stories about you—funny moments, meaningful encounters, or even the quirky things that make you uniquely you. It’s a live highlight reel, reminding you of your impact on others.
Ritual of Gratitude: Set aside a moment during the celebration for everyone to express gratitude—not just for you, but for the shared experiences that have shaped your friendship. Pass a candle, write messages on a shared board, or create a gratitude tree.
Legacy Keepsakes: Create something tangible during the celebration, like a scrapbook of memories, a video montage, or a quilt made from pieces of your story. It’s a keepsake for you and a treasure for generations to come.
Symbolic Ceremonies: Incorporate meaningful rituals—perhaps lighting candles for each decade of your life, planting a tree to symbolize growth, or even creating a "time capsule" filled with mementos and dreams for the future.
Your Own ‘Drink Me’ Potion: End the event with a signature drink or dish that reflects your journey—something that’s uniquely “you.” Serve it with a story about why it matters.
Why Not?
Life is beautiful, fleeting, and unpredictable. A Life Celebration isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recognizing the miracle of being here, in this moment. It’s about shifting the narrative from “survival” to “appreciation,” from “I have to” to “I get to.”
So, what do you think? Why not start your own Life Celebration? Why not honor the story you’re living, the connections you’ve made, and the joy of simply being alive?
Why not, indeed? Ms. Wonder would approve.