Note: This blog originally published in August 2010. This month I celebrated a 6 month, a 2 year and a 5 year anniversary. I celebrated my 6 month anniversary in my current role within my organization. I reflected back on the work I had done, the progress that was made, and the energy that my new team and I had created. I am genuinely thankful and excited about the next steps.

On the same day, I celebrated my 2 year anniversary of marriage. The time flew by, yet it seemed as though we have been married forever. I recognized the joy, the learning, the growth and the new reality we had created together. I am genuinely thankful and excited about all of our future adventures together.

The following week I celebrated the 5 year anniversary of my community YMCA. Together, my organization and the city in which we reside have created a magical gathering place. People- hard working, focused, and caring people - have worked together to uphold and deliver a place where all are welcome, all have worth and all help to build community supporting one another. I watched as the celebration brought together people from this 5 year journey and all of the joy it created. I am genuinely thankful and excited about what we will do together next!

Milestones worthy of recognition

Joy is a part of keeping the human spirit alive and energized. Celebration is a part of joy. Recognition is a part of celebration. It is important to take time out of our busy lives and celebrate the successes we accomplish. In doing so, we solidify the learning we have been a part of.

It is important to pause and rewind the journey to acknowledge just how far we have come. The people that have touched our lives, the experiences that have shaped our thoughts, all support the next steps in this journey we call life. Take time to recognize, celebrate and feel joy about the milestones you have been a part of; make time to understand the just how far you have truly come.

What Anniversary of accomplishment will you lift up in celebration today?