As a certified life coach, I recognize the value in celebrating successes (small and large) as well as goals achieved. Celebrations help us build neural pathways to the parts of the brain that think happy thoughts, resulting in even more happy thoughts (this is amazing thing our brain does is known as neuroplasticity). So, I am all for celebrating all successes, along with all of life’s milestones, birthdays, and holidays. Truly any and every reason to party is a valid reason to me! However, as a certified nutrition coach and certified personal trainer, I am against celebrating with lots of food (cake or otherwise) or alcohol. Since I just had a birthday come and go, I am reminded how we frequently tend to celebrate with food. If you want to have one piece of cake or a mimosa, go for it, but it’s important to be conscientious if celebrations span multiple mealtimes or days.
You can best honor yourself and your well-being by transforming celebrations into health-minded festivities. For example, one year, my coworkers frosted me a watermelon with a light whipped cream frosting which left me feeling every bit as celebrated as a high caloric cake would have. I’m also a huge fan of unsweetened sparkling water in a champagne glass for turning a calorie free drink into something more festive.
Celebrations really don’t even need to involve food. You can treat yourself to a mani / pedi or a massage. You can invite a friend to celebrate with you at the lake or movie theater. You get bonus points for celebrations that involve activity such as going for a hike or trying a fun exercise class like Zumba© or [shameless plug] aerial or poleFit.
For gifting, flowers make better gifts than candy or cake in my opinion. If someone gifts you candy or cake, if it is not serving you or your life’s goals, you have my permission to throw it away.
In short, health-minded celebrations help us live up to our highest potential and THAT is all the cause I need for celebration!
Authored by Mindy Cochran. Mindy is the founder of Kalispell’s Levitation Nation Aerial Studio, where the catch phrase “fitness is fun” is embodied alongside a culture of movement & women empowerment. Mindy is also a columnist for "Montana Woman Magazine." Her column "The Real Levitation Experience" shares expertise for elevating health & wellness that she has acquired through her certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach. For more about Mindy, please visit: https://www.levitationnation.org/mindy.