No matter what the circumstance, I try to see it through the eyes of the people at the center of the situation. For example, with many celebrations for graduations, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries on the horizon, I want to think about the celebrations from the perspective of the graduates, brides, grooms, and all those celebrating.
What does this celebration mean to them? What is it that they are hoping for, enjoying, and feeling at this moment in time? How can my presence, gift, words, and actions provide support, joy, and care?
Thinking back and remembering what those moments meant to me helps me to be there for the celebrants.
Graduation
In many ways, at each graduation, I was elated, but exhausted. At the end of my school programs, live was very, very busy. There were many late nights, lots of assignments to complete, and job applications and efforts too. It was a celebratory time and an exhausting time too. So as I think of graduation gifts, words, and actions, I want to remember that this is a sensitive time -- a time of endings and beginnings. I want my gift to be something that the graduate can use in a positive way for this transitionary time, and I want my words to acknowledge their likely exhaustion, trepidation, excitement, and curiosity about what was and what's to come.
Wedding
I was that little girl who always wanted to get married and have a family. So when my wedding arrived, I was very, very happy. I was also very spoiled by many relatives and friends who celebrated my wedding with showers, gifts, and their happy presence at my wedding. In so many ways, a wedding is a wonderful beginning of a new life together. So as I celebrate the weddings to come, I want to be cognizant of the fact that this is the start of a wonderful new chapter in life--a chapter that profits from the support, love, and care of all those who love you. I want my gift, words, and actions to reflect that.
Birthdays and anniversaries
Birthdays and anniversaries ensure that you'll recognize someone with care at least once or twice a year. It's good to stop your busy life and make time to recognize someone's special day, their birthday, in a special manner. It's also great to stop and recognize the anniversaries in your life and the lives of others. Make time to celebrate those special days in the year in a special way. For birthdays, I like to plan a special meal with the birthday celebrant's favorite foods and a gift that they'll enjoy. For anniversaries it's wonderful to look back at highlights of the year's past and enjoy something special together.
Mother's Day, Father's Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, and other special holidays
Holidays make good goal posts in the year's calendar. Those are good days to do something special with the people you love. It's good to pay attention to the holidays, think ahead, and use that time in a special way with those you care about and love.
Seeing special dates and holidays through the eyes of those you are celebrating and/or celebrating with makes the celebrations much more meaningful. I'll think of this as I write cards, make or purchase gifts, and attend the special celebrations ahead. Onward.
