Day 25 - Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.

We’ve all experienced it—those places where we feel like we’re just getting by, where our presence is acknowledged but not genuinely appreciated. It might be a job where our contributions are overlooked, a social circle where our uniqueness isn’t valued, or even certain relationships that leave us feeling drained rather than fulfilled. It’s like being a beautiful song played to an audience that’s not listening. It’s disheartening, isn’t it?

But now, imagine being in a place where every note you play is heard, every word you speak is valued, and every aspect of your being is celebrated. That’s the kind of environment we deserve to be in. When we choose to go where we are celebrated, we find ourselves in spaces that nourish our souls and lift our spirits. These are places where our true selves can flourish and thrive.

Why is this so important?

First and foremost, it’s about recognizing our inherent worth. Each of us has unique gifts, talents, and qualities that make us who we are. When we stay in environments that merely tolerate us, we’re not honoring our true potential. We’re dimming our light to fit into spaces that don’t appreciate our brilliance. Conversely, when we seek out and stay in environments that celebrate us, we’re acknowledging our value and allowing ourselves to shine.

So, how do we find these places?

1. Evaluate Your Current Surroundings: Take a close look at your current environment. Are you being celebrated or merely tolerated? If you find yourself constantly undervalued or unappreciated, it might be time for a change. This evaluation might be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for growth. Reflect on the people you interact with daily, the job you go to every morning, and the activities you engage in. Are they lifting you up or holding you back?
2. Seek Genuine Connections: Look for people and places where you feel a genuine connection. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, support you, and celebrate your successes. These are the people who see your potential and encourage you to reach for the stars. It’s about finding your tribe—those individuals who resonate with your values, dreams, and passions. Genuine connections are like mirrors that reflect our best selves back to us.
3. Trust Your Instincts: Your intuition is a powerful guide. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself enough to walk away. You deserve to be in places that feel like home, where you can be your authentic self without fear of judgment. Listen to that inner voice—it often knows what’s best for you before your conscious mind does. If a situation or relationship feels off, give yourself permission to move on.
4. Create Celebratory Spaces: Sometimes, we need to create the environments we seek. Be the light that attracts positivity. Celebrate others, and in turn, you will find that celebration reflected back at you. Build communities where mutual respect and admiration are the norms. This could mean starting a new project, joining a club that aligns with your interests, or even fostering a culture of appreciation within your existing circles.
5. Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries: Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. Set boundaries that protect your energy and well-being. Don’t be afraid to distance yourself from negativity and gravitate towards positivity. Boundaries are a form of self-respect—they signal to others that your time, energy, and emotions are valuable. By setting and maintaining boundaries, you ensure that you’re giving and receiving respect in equal measure.

What does it look like to be celebrated?

Imagine waking up each day excited about the possibilities ahead. You walk into a room, and faces light up because you’re there. Your ideas are listened to, your achievements are acknowledged, and your presence is cherished. You feel a sense of belonging and purpose. This isn’t a utopian dream—it’s a reality you can create by intentionally seeking out and nurturing environments where you’re celebrated.

Real-Life Example:

Let me share a personal story with you. A few years ago, I was working in a corporate job that, on paper, seemed perfect. The pay was good, the benefits were decent, and the office had a nice view. But every day, I felt a little more drained. My contributions were often overlooked, and I felt like just another cog in the machine. I was tolerated but not celebrated.

One day, I decided to take a leap of faith. I left that job and pursued my passion for life coaching full-time. I created The Self Care Club LLC, a space where I could truly thrive and help others do the same. The difference was night and day. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who valued my insights, who celebrated my successes, and who believed in my mission. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The energy and positivity I received from being in the right environment were life-changing.

Impact on Mental Health and Well-being:

Being in environments where we are celebrated has a profound impact on our mental health and overall well-being. It boosts our self-esteem, increases our happiness, and fuels our motivation. When we feel valued, we are more likely to pursue our passions, take risks, and achieve our goals. On the contrary, staying in places where we are merely tolerated can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, and burnout. It’s crucial for our mental health to surround ourselves with positivity and support.

Taking Action:

So, let’s make a commitment today. Let’s promise ourselves to seek out and create environments where our spirits can soar. Let’s choose joy, positivity, and celebration. Life is too short to be in places where we are merely tolerated. We deserve to be celebrated, appreciated, and loved for who we are.

Start small if you need to. Identify one area of your life where you feel merely tolerated and take steps to change it. It might mean having a difficult conversation, making a bold decision, or simply shifting your mindset. Remember, you are worthy of being celebrated.

Embrace the journey of finding and creating spaces where you are celebrated. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Trust in your worth, seek out genuine connections, and prioritize your well-being. When you do, you’ll find that life becomes more vibrant, fulfilling, and joyous.  Let’s make a promise to ourselves today: to seek out and create environments where our spirits can soar, where we are celebrated, not tolerated. Let’s choose joy, positivity, and celebration.