Sometimes you will be celebrated and sometimes you will not be celebrated. Sometimes you will be celebrated for honors you deserve, and sometimes you will be celebrated for honors that you really don't think you deserve. Celebration in many ways can be a hit-or-miss affair, and that's why when you are celebrated or you do celebrate another, it is important to be present, joyful, and grateful for that time.
In my life, I would say that my most joyful celebration was my marriage. I had a really good time. It was a meaningful occasion, and I was surrounded by the people I love. For the most part, the day went wonderfully--it was a great celebration. Another great and more recent celebration was that of my 60th birthday--my immediate family members surprised me with a wonderful destination party that included a beautiful slideshow and a wonderful dinner. It was the perfect kind of surprise--an intimate gathering of my loved ones.
Over the years I've helped plan and put on many celebrations too including parties for graduates, significant birthdays, baby/wedding showers, and more. I probably enjoy planning a celebration more than the being the guest of honor at a celebration--I typically don't like being the center of attention, but in the background instead. I like all the creativity that goes with a party focused on someone we truly admire, love, and value.
Sometimes, due to circumstances, there will be significant moments that are not celebrated. That's what happened when I graduated from grad school. Honestly at the time, it was such a privilege for me to go to graduate school that I felt like all the people who helped me get there and graduate deserved the celebration, not me. I never thought twice about that. And sometimes as an educator when I truly felt like an effort I was involved in deserved a big celebration, there wasn't one because those kinds of education-related feats are rarely celebrated or even noticed. However, I knew those moments were great and that was enough.
I do think it is important to celebrate the milestones in our lives in authentic ways. I also think it is important to be grateful for the celebrations you have and to understand that sometimes there will not be a celebration for a significant event due to circumstances at the time. That's how life rolls along. Onward.