Five Ways to Celebrate Yourself

Hello superstars! 

Guess what? It’s my birthday today, and in true Leo fashion, I love me a celebration!

This year, I discovered something new as I thought about how I want to celebrate, and it’s this – my life, my daily life, is more joyous than it’s ever been. The transition I have made over the past 18 months to de-center work, even as it remains purposeful, has brought me great happiness daily. 

Special occasions still matter; marking them with rituals and celebrations is deeply fulfilling. But treating yourself like a special human every day is #goals.

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate yourself regularly.

1. Pick one day each month to keep completely unscheduled. I mean nothing. Not exercise, or therapy, and def not work meetings. Maybe someone else can pick up or drop off the kids that day, or just keep yourself unscheduled during the time they are at daycare or school. Sleep in. Do nothing. Or do everything. But wake up knowing the day is yours to use as you wish.

2. Leave your phone at home and go on a walk, or out to lunch. Enjoy your own company.

3. Make an art date as regularly as you can. Once a month, once a quarter. Calendar it. Could be anything. Read a book, go to a museum, see a show. Draw, paint, sculpt. Walk around a neighborhood with murals. See the world in a different way.

4. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Every day if you can. Or whenever you can. As often as you can. Set an alarm if you need to or just let your body wake up when it’s ready. 

5. Dress up for no reason. Don’t save that favorite outfit for a special occasion. Make any day a day worth celebrating you. 

I’m sure you have heard some iteration of these ideas before but I’m here to remind you: it’s possible to reprogram yourself for a life that’s as purposeful as it’s playful – promise. Share with us in the comments how else you celebrate!

And can I ask for a birthday gift? Forward this newsletter to a No. 1 Immigrant Daughter and ask them to subscribe. And then do one of the five things above (and repeat). Let me know how it goes!

With joy,

Sayu