In third grade, my birthday was on a Friday and it was the day of our Valentine’s Day party. That was one of my favorites! I am struck by how many celebrations are converging on this upcoming weekend in 2024. Super Bowl, Chinese New Year AND the weekend before Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and my 50th birthday. What a wonderful year!
We all need more celebration in our lives. One of my favorite leadership practices is to take “joy breaks” as much as possible. I highly recommend it and research supports it. Look around, find something or someone to celebrate and just do it! I’ve done this as CEO by sending a company-wide email update with “Joy Break” in the subject line or making an announcement in an all-staff meeting. I’ve done this as a friend and a parent by sending a text message of encouragement. You can make it happen any way you like. Just celebrate small and big wins as often as possible!
For my 50th birthday, I could not settle on just one celebration, so I made a list of 50 ways to celebrate. The items vary and I have given myself permission to keep updating them as desired, but many of them are spending time with people that have made a big difference in my life and doing things I love. I also decided that I would celebrate for the whole year before and after. I have already checked some off my list and still have many more to go. On Monday, my actual birthday, I’ll be watching my son play volleyball – it truly is a dream come true to watch my son and his team play my favorite sport at a level beyond what I ever accomplished. Their hard work and dedication is inspiring, and I am excited to celebrate that way and all the other ways on my list. What is your favorite way to celebrate or take “joy breaks”? Let’s do this. Celebrate more in 2024!
TAMMIRA 