Don’t Wait for the Big Moments—Celebrate Now

I discovered this a bit late—I guess I was somehow late to the party. I didn’t realize that every win, no matter how small or big, is worth celebrating.

I grew up in a household where birthdays weren’t a big deal. What truly mattered were the grand Christmas celebrations—huge, memorable, and filled with joy. Easter was also significant, though not as extravagant. Another major event worth celebrating was when a child in the family exceeded our parents’ expectations in school, parents promotion at work, purchasing a new car or house etc. Those were the moments I remember as celebrations in my childhood.

However, at school, things were different. In nursery and primary school, birthdays were acknowledged with songs, gifts, and cheers from classmates. In secondary school, the tradition continued. It felt special to be recognized by friends, seniors, or even teachers.

Looking back, I realize that as children, we often didn’t understand that accomplishments beyond academics—like learning a new skill, creating a piece of art, or mastering a musical instrument—were also worth celebrating. Many African households, like mine, focus mainly on school performance or festive seasons when it comes to celebrations.

A New Perspective on Celebration

Moving to America for my undergraduate degree changed my perspective. I discovered that people not only throw birthday parties for kids who can barely talk, but they also celebrate with vacations, restaurant outings, and thoughtful gestures. Over time, I realized that some families have mastered the art of celebrating any win in a way that feels right for them.

And why not? Completing your to-do list for the week is worth celebrating. You could have easily gone off course, but you didn’t. The moral of this article is simple: recognize and honor every win in your life. Be proud of yourself. Even when things don’t work out as planned, the fact that you gave your best and didn’t give up is a victory in itself.

A Lesson from My Military Training

I remember when I attended my Army Basic Leadership Course (BLC) at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Fort Dix, New Jersey. I pushed myself to be among the top graduates, but I didn’t make the cut. I was disappointed for a while, feeling as though I had failed.

But in hindsight, I realized that I had overlooked my own achievement. Many people who started the course with me didn’t even finish. A significant number of students failed the first task and were sent home. I could have been one of them. I could have been on a flight back to Texas in defeat, like my roommate who didn’t make it through. But I wasn’t. I completed the course, and that alone was worth celebrating.

This experience reminded me of the goodness of God in every season. Life will not always be kind to us, which is why we must learn to endure, persevere, and celebrate every win—no matter how small.

Challenge Yourself to Celebrate

I challenge you to start celebrating the small victories in your life. Wins like:
-Waking up daily and committing to read your Bible and journal.
-Sticking to your daily or weekly workout routines.
-Completing meal prep for the week.
-Making payments on time.
– Choosing to maintain a good attitude, even in difficult circumstances.

No achievement is too small to acknowledge. So today, I encourage you to pause, reflect, and celebrate. Because every step forward—no matter how small—is a step worth rejoicing over.