Celebrating milestones is extremely important. These celebrations should not be limited to weddings, birthdays and graduations. In the past, Elijah Mcclain has spoken about how milestones come in varying shapes and sizes. They can include completing a vital project, finishing a major household remodel, doing well on a test and various other accomplishments. These accomplishments represent growth and continuity, and are a sign of triumph over adversity.
There are many reasons why celebrating milestones is a good idea, including:
- Physical health: Celebrations are good for people. It is an opportunity for excitement, laughter, conversations and activity. Parties can include singing, dancing, games and more. When people celebrate together, they are likely to perceive less pain. Moreover, laughter can help lower blood pressure and relax tight muscles.
- Mental Health: Humans are social creatures. Hence, they are likely to be happier when they connect with each other. Multiple generations of family come together at anniversaries and birthdays, and talk about their shared history, as well as tell familiar stories and unveil new ones. Elderly individuals enjoy seeing how their children have grown. Anniversaries often remind people of the years they have shared with their partner, they struggle they have endured together and the triumphs they have savored. Celebrating such events provides people with the chance to feel like they have achieved something significant. The joy and comfort of celebrating milestones can be a source of strength to many.
- Family relationships: Families strengthen their connections through the shared experiences accumulated over the years. Celebrations serve as occasions to deepen these bonds, uniting individuals who may not frequently interact. Special events transform into reunions, providing distant family members with the chance to come together in celebration of their loved ones. These instances serve as reminders of the ongoing and resilient nature of family connections, offering a vital source of support and tranquility during challenging times.
- Community relationships: Connections extend beyond familial ties, with long-standing friendships playing a crucial role in maintaining a sense of belonging. After years of working and residing in a community, enduring friendships often emerge. Whether stemming from shared experiences of raising children, collaborating professionally, or even frequenting the same stores, schools, doctors, and sports practices. All relationships are significant and warrant celebration during special occasions.
- Positive self-concept: A well-adjusted individual perceives life as an ongoing journey marked by both moments of sorrow and happiness, perpetually evolving. Special occasions serve as significant markers along this journey, offering opportunities to pause and contemplate life in its entirety and the individual who has traversed it. Encouraging people to celebrate these milestones is a fundamental means of fostering their internal well-being. The celebration goes beyond mere festivities; it is a gesture that communicates to someone that they are valued and that their life journey holds meaning.
In the past, Elijah Mcclain had spoken about how celebrating milestones does not necessarily mean having a huge party. Even a small, quiet gathering can have a positive impact on the mental health of a person and help them to connect with their near and dear ones.
