Well, here we are again—another trip around the sun. Another year of learning life’s lessons, working to love myself and the people around me better, and living as purposefully as I can. Year 37 was a tough one, full of new experiences, meaningful accomplishments, and the kind of refining that only time, pressure, and perseverance can produce.
There was no fast-forward button through the hard lessons or the unpleasant parts. In fact, I noticed myself lingering in the struggles while rushing past the fun, lighthearted, and celebratory moments. Strange, right? Who forgets to celebrate the wins after working so hard to earn them?
After months of reflection, I realized I wasn’t allowing myself to fully experience the high points—the peaks after the valleys, the joy life was offering me. I was skipping the good part. But why?
One thing about me: I’m my own worst critic. I’m hard on myself to a fault, and the voice in my head can be a real jerk. Being kind to myself takes intention, and it’s work I’m still learning to do.
Somewhere along the way, I had wedged myself into a corner where it felt easier to keep my head down and stay in “work mode” than to come up for air. I was suffocating my joy, my spark, and my creative energy. My mindset had shifted from “what if?” to “what now?”
I was approaching life from a glass-half-empty perspective, and I think part of me feared that if I paused to acknowledge the milestones, the next valley or challenge would feel even harder to face. Looking back, it doesn’t fully make sense, but mentally, that’s where I was.
After a year on the rollercoaster of small business ownership, I’ve come to understand the importance of small celebrations. The checked box, the happy dance after reaching a goal, the deep sigh of relief when you finally finish the task that’s been weighing on you—those moments matter, and they add up over time. The space you make for rest, reflection, planning, and recognition of a job well done is essential not only to the quality and longevity of your work, but also to your spirit.
So in year 38, I’m setting a clear intention: to celebrate the small stuff. Victories and success rarely happen in one singular moment; they are built through a thousand tiny decisions made over time. They happen when you say yes to the next right step. And the spark that matters so much must be ignited, nurtured, and allowed to grow.
So here we go. I’m welcoming another beautiful year of life with gratitude. I’m thankful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and celebrate the small stuff—and I hope you’ll join me.
With love and celebratory bubbles,
-Your Sister Friend Sarah