by Karen Alexander, Sunshima guest blog writer
This weekend sees the UK celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and even if you are not a big supporter of the Royal Family, this is a rare milestone for any country. There will be street parties, pageantry, local events as well as a 4-day bank holiday weekend to fully mark the occasion. There is a general feeling that after the last two years, the country needs this celebration. And while not all our milestones are commemorated on such a grand scale, realising and celebrating these moments are important to our development and wellbeing.
Transition
Change is a fact of life, we grow up, we change jobs, we gain new skills and we navigate new challenges. All of these are milestones that even if we do not celebrate with a big party should be acknowledged. Celebrating the transition to a new chapter helps you let go of the old and welcome in the new.
Personal Growth
We are all so busy with our jobs, responsibilities, and duties that we can forget to acknowledge our successes. In fact, it is often easier to be critical of what we have not achieved rather than what we have overcome. Celebrating a milestone achievement makes you realise how much you have learnt and encourages you to take the next step.
Social Bonding
After the last few years, it feels even more important to celebrate with family, friends and colleagues. Zoom parties were fine but they were no substitute for the face-to-face interactions that humans need. Social occasions whether to celebrate a success, a big birthday or a new addition to the family, strengthens our relationships and create new memories that can be looked back on in years to come.
Gratitude
Similar to being critical of our shortcomings, we can sometimes feel our lives are less than, you only have to look on social media to see people who all appear to be happier and more successful. Celebrating a milestone can help you appreciate what you have achieved whether it be surviving your first year as a parent or passing a test. And expressing gratitude is good for our health with studies showing that where participants kept a gratitude journal, they reported better physical health.
Wellbeing
Celebrating a milestone is good for your wellbeing. A fully lived life is not easy and there are times of struggle and joy. Reaching a milestone and celebrating that achievement with family and friends acknowledges the adversity faced and the triumphs hard won. You realise how far you have come and the people who have supported you along the way.
Our milestones may not be as widely celebrated as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but marking these moments shows how much we have grown, learnt and overcome. And even if you don’t have a party, do something to celebrate no matter how little!