As the New Year has rolled around and everyone is talking about New Year's resolutions or goals, we invite you to join us in this fun resolution and choose to be intentional this year about celebrating the moments. (Above photo by Pineapple Supply Co. on Unsplash) "What moments?" you might ask. So often, it is too easy to continue rolling on to the next "thing", caught up in the busy-ness of life's activities and demands, and completely miss the moment's opportunity to pause and celebrate. It doesn't have to be a big celebration - maybe just a moment to kick up your heels, shout for joy, grin from ear to ear, and be glad for yourself, a family member, a friend, or simply for the view of a beautiful sunrise - or then again, feel free to party with balloons and streamers if you like. Some may be inclined to set up a detailed list of scenarios and how they might choose to celebrate that event or moment with friends and family. We haven't been that intentional quite yet, but here are some moments we feel are definitely worth pausing and celebrating.

Celebrate Family Moments

Celebrate the family moments when a family member has shared of a recent accomplishment or achievement. We usually think of the really big moments - like graduations, engagements, weddings, promotions, and the like. However, this years let's celebrate the smaller scale things like ...

Completing a volunteer role

Being recognized for good character or grades

Accomplishing a small goal set for school or work

Rejoicing with each other about good news received or hard work well done

Celebrate Personal Achievement

At least for myself, it can be difficult sometimes to stop and recognize that the accomplished tasks or assignments - no matter how big or small - deserve to be celebrated. This can be in relation to career, relationships, workouts, friendships, volunteering, education, learning a new skill, making a new friend, or sometimes just getting to the end of the day and having checked off most of the to-do list without driving anyone else or myself completely crazy. For instance, getting dinner on the table may feel like enough of a feat at the end of the day to deserve a "ta-da" and big smile. (Below photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash)

Celebrate with Friends

I love celebrating with friends. They received some good news, had a good day, found a new job or were promoted, or simply stopped by to share pleasantries at the end of the driveway. It's these moments we should take advantage of, sharing the joy and celebration with them, catching our breath and being grateful - totally worth pausing to celebrate.

Celebrate the Little Things

Let's rejoice with the kids over their messy mud pies or floppy pancakes they just made by themselves. Let's celebrate the opportunity to have dinner together or enjoy dancing in the kitchen while making dinner. Let's pause to smile and laugh when those around us find themselves receiving good news as well. It makes life more fun. It keeps our hearts lighter. It uplifts those around us. So enough of saying, "Well, that was what you were supposed to do or achieve or make happen." What will you choose to celebrate this week? Seriously, we want to know! Leave us your thoughts in the comments below; we can't wait to celebrate with you.