Step by Step: Celebrate Yourself Along the Way

 
 

This week I passed my PCC Exam-- a credential in the coaching world that means you've coached a certain number of hours, trained a certain number of hours and can demonstrate a level of professional coaching that is considered ethical, safe & transformative.

 

I was SO excited to see that “Passed” result in my inbox and screamed with joy. I called a coach friend to share the news. Then, I posted it on my instagram story.

 

That “celebration” lasted all of 5 minutes. I quickly turned to thoughts like, “well, I didn't really have to study for it so it's really not much of an accomplishment” and “this is really an ego trip I shouldn't be this excited” to “I wanted to go to dinner to celebrate but now I'm a little embarrassed making a big deal out of it so I'll just humbly receive this”.

 

Everyone, please give a big round of applause for MY WORTH WOUND!!!

 

I know I'm not the only one here who has a hard time celebrating themselves and I'm bringing this up to remind you that #1 this is normal, and #2 it's worth challenging.

 

When I finally challenged these thoughts I realized these are direct lines from a fear of not wanting to take up space, not wanting to seem “full of herself” and not wanting to look “delusional” with wanting to celebrate something like this.

 

Then, I looked for the truth. 

 

The truth is: this IS a big accomplishment. I DID work hard for this. I've been working for this for over 5 years. I've been consistently studying (daily) to continuously grow my education and abilities. Celebrating myself is NOT an ego trip, it's a necessary step along the way of personal growth and self love. 

 

And FINALLY--

 

I DO NOT HAVE TO DIM MY LIGHT AND HIDE MY ACHIEVEMENTS TO KEEP OTHERS COMFORTABLE.

 

I WILL NOT BE AFRAID TO TAKE UP SPACE WITH JOY, CELEBRATION & EXCITEMENT BECAUSE I AM PROUD OF MYSELF.

 

I DESERVE TO SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS IF I WANT TO. WE ALL DO!

 

So once I realized this, I decided to celebrate myself. And I made a splash with it. Because fuck it.

 

The car I've wanted my whole life, that I've been planning to buy for months, that I've been READY to buy but putting off because I didn't feel worthy yet… I bought it. Yesterday.

I’ve wanted a jeep wrangler my entire life :)

 

Yes, passing the exam had a lot to do with it-- but it was really about realizing that I do deserve NICE things that WORK (LOL my poor Subaru). I HAVE worked hard to build the knowledge and expertise that's created the success I have today. I have done hard things to better my life and therefore create more ease. I do deserve respect, celebration, true love & nice-ass things.

 

Here's a list of things you SHOULD be stopping along the way to celebrate:

 

  • Being consistent with a value or area in life you care about (and remember: consistent doesn't mean daily)

  • Saying no for your self-preservation

  • Saying YES when it serves and scares you!

  • Taking care of yourself

  • Hitting a milestone (YOUR concept of milestones)

  • Successfully communicating something challenging

  • Going outside your comfort zone

  • Time without alcohol, drugs, substances, media/tv, sugar etc.

  • Putting yourself out there in any way

  • Trying something new

  • Dealing with the thing you've been putting off

  • Achieving a goal no matter how big or small

Find a way to celebrate yourself whether it's a dinner, a cutie special drink, a party, a night off, a massage, a happy scream somewhere out in the wild-- WHATEVER! Just do it.

 

It's always helpful to define your values and what success means to you. That way you can acknowledge yourself more deeply. For example, I value personal growth-- so this exam pass speaks more to that than anything else.

 

Continue to stop, reflect and acknowledge as you go-- because if you haven't noticed already… the journey never ends. The destination doesn't exist. We always keep going, unfolding and changing, and THAT'S something to celebrate.

 
 
Libby Christenson