This past weekend, I attended various celebrations in person and online as I committed time to both equally.

I say equally, as I committed to being mentally present in each event.

I realized early on this specific time of the year when I looked at my calendar where I wanted to focus my attention.

It was about honoring a particular person in my life.  For many years, this specific person would write and continue to write Mom #2 on every birthday card she sent me.

I vividly remember when my mother and my wife’s mother connected before she died as I flew my mother to Mississippi to meet Ms. Doris.

How about you? Did you do anything interesting this weekend?

Interestingly, several of my friends have Birthday’s on October 21, 2023, this year.  I made phone calls to each of them and in one specific incident I even attended an in-person birthday party for my 92-year-old mother-in-law.  I consciously decided months ago to be present for her birthday event.

Life is short, and how we celebrate others is essential as well.

As I made a phone call to the birthday recipients, one was landing in Cancun.  I thought it was remarkable that her husband planned such a trip for her celebration of life.

The other, I left a voice mail and followed up later by replying to her text message.

I even had the opportunity to attend a virtual Fall Awards Gathering, a District 77 Toastmasters event.

I’m so grateful that I was able to witness two dynamic speakers in the process of that specific celebration.

In each scenario I presented to you, someone must plan and participate.

Those conscious decisions must be present when we attend any celebration.

Not to mention, the weather this weekend was exceptional, with temperatures in the low 80s.

Yesterday, one of my fellow Toastmasters was celebrating her granddaughter’s birthday.  I’m sure we all remember being young and celebrating our birthdays with gifts, toys, money, and much more.

You and I know that every day, there is something we can celebrate, and it doesn’t have to be our birthday.  Nevertheless, what are you celebrating today?

It could be recovery from surgery, a promotion, maintaining your weight, you name it.

Each day that you and I can see another day is a celebration of life.

Sometimes, I’m also amazed at the people who are hard on themselves by complaining about getting old.

If you need a reason to celebrate, sit outside a hospital or a lobby, and you’ll understand.   Knowing that people are in much worse condition than you will help ground you.

I must tell you that watching the service people during the birthday celebration this weekend was fantastic.

I know that our waiter walked away with over a hundred dollars in tips because of his positive attitude, not to mention his order techniques and skills.

Anytime you can take 13 people’s drink orders, appetizer orders, and food orders correctly and not get anything wrong without writing down a single item on paper is impressive.

As one who understands the principles behind “Six Sigma” and what it costs to have something sent back to the kitchen for a return order, that alone is noteworthy.

Six Sigma Certification: Overview & Career Options (sixsigmaonline.org)

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification & Training Online | SSGI (6sigmacertificationonline.com)

I was celebrating his awesomeness by making our event an even better success!

I always find reasons to celebrate and have made it a habit to remain positive.

Today, I challenge you to find something to celebrate and, in the process, smile while you’re celebrating.

10 Big Benefits of Smiling (verywellmind.com)

Therefore, take a moment and reflect on this quote by Oprah Winfrey. “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”