It’s not long ago that we were 10 strong, here in our apartment in Vancouver, then in Bellingham… and we did a lot of celebrating! When I am in a celebratory mode or mood, wonderful things happen, and/or most whatever happens is wonderful.
Celebrating is closely akin to joy. It’s not always ‘on top’, of course, yet it can be evoked, invited, noticed. And what a difference it makes when I attune to joy and celebration — for me personally, just by myself, and in how I interact with the world and others. I thought Celebrate was a good title for this note! Celebrating makes the sky bluer, my heart more open, smiles broader, colors more vivid. In short, the day is full of miracles. My soul and spirit soar!
It was the annual get together of my two kids and their families, with Mike and me, and we had a lovely time. In Vancouver we never once got in the car, did our whole week on bikes. We were quite the cycle train, 10 strong, rolling around the Sea Wall, over to Granville Island, stopping at playgrounds. The Science World Perpetual Motion display was quite a hit.
Then Marlena turned 8, and that was a big splash and another celebration!
She’s currently into baking, and she and cousin Lilly turned out pie after pie, even the boys got caught up in the frenzy! The children’s book Pie, by Sarah Weeks, was the inspiration.
We camped, had splendid food, wonderful conversation, cook outs, sushi dinners, a kayak trip, berry picking and eating, sea festivals, parks and walks and hikes. In short many miracles, of nature and love and connection.
We addressed some family dynamics, and challenging disciplinary topics as well — so we got down to brass tacks now and then too. All good. The blend of headlong pleasure and deep connecting is something I treasure so much.
It is such a gift to see and experience the kids (and adults!) growing, becoming… unique, particular, human beings… with strengths and foibles, joys and fears, each one with a distinct flavor. What a treasure, and opportunity to show up…engage, share, learn.
Do you know the quote from Albert Einstein on miracles: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
It’s our choice. May your life be full of celebrating, love, miracles. May the rest of summer bring you joy, a sense of purpose and and well-being.
Jill Schroder is the author of BECOMING: Journeying Toward Authenticity. BECOMING is an invitation for self-reflection, and to mine our memorable moments for insights, meaning, and growth. Check the website for a sample chapter, or see the reviews to get a flavor for the volume. Follow me on Twitter, let’s be friends on Facebook 
