Celebrate!

Last time we discussed the importance of taking baby steps when making improvements in your health. I want to focus on a very important aspect of that process.

I believe it is critical to celebrate each and every success along the way to achieving your ultimate goal. Losing half a pound rather than four pounds may discourage you, but you must see it, instead, as moving in the right direction and celebrate that success. Each one builds upon the previous one and creates momentum.

One of the definitions of "celebrate" is to observe a notable occasion with festivities! We serve a God Who loves to celebrate! Think of all the festivals and feasts in the Bible: Passover, Festival of First Fruits, The Festival of Lights, Pentecost or Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Feast of Tabernacles! It is a documented fact that celebrating milestones in your journey, increases your chances of success.

Here are some reasons to celebrate:
Significant achievements happen in small steps, and celebrating a milestone is a reminder that you have already taken and accomplished important steps towards your ultimate goal;
A celebration helps you recharge your batteries and get ready for the next milestone;
Reaching and celebrating a milestone gives you a sense of satisfaction and provides motivation to continue moving forward;
A celebration provides the opportunity to pause and remember how far this step looked to you when you started, and how far you have come;
And finally, celebrating is fun, so why not celebrate each and every milestone?

Be careful to choose a method of celebration that will not sidetrack your efforts. Obviously eating a box of candy or a gallon of your favorite ice cream isn't the best way to celebrate losing 5 pounds! Here are a few suggestions for healthy celebrations: a facial, new haircut or style, a new outfit (perhaps in a smaller size!), a relaxing, pampering bubble bath, buy or rent a DVD or CD you've been wanting, take time to visit a friend, a new store or museum you've been wanting to get to or buy yourself some beautiful flowers.

Step to Take:

Plan out some simple (baby) steps in reaching your goal and choose an appropriate celebration for each one!

Until next time I wish you vibrant health! Ann