Ringing in the New Year with a champagne toast reminded me of a time  many years ago when my husband and I were first married. We were living in a small rented house, struggling to make ends meet and working jobs neither of us loved. On one anniversary, someone gave us a bottle of Perrier Jouet.  I remember thinking, “that’s $100 a bottle…a lovely gift, but that’s money we could have used to pay some bills.”

Consequently, the bottle stayed on our shelf, looking lovely, but we didn’t dare open it.  We were waiting for the right occasion to pop that cork.  And we waited, and waited…and waited.  Were there events to celebrate? Sure, but, no occasion seemed to be big enough to celebrate it with expensive champagne. 

When my husband finally got the “dream job” I said, I think now’s the time to celebrate with the good champagne.  “No,” he said, “let’s wait to see if they’re actually going to keep me. This could only last one season.”  Wow, that sounded fatalistic even to me.  But, we waited and waited. 

I think that bottle sat there for years.  We refused to celebrate the good stuff in our lives. Why? Because we were afraid they’d come to an end? Because they weren’t big enough for good champagne?  I think the moment I discovered I was pregnant, after trying for a very long time, we felt that might be the moment to really celebrate and open the good stuff.   So, we finally opened it. But of course, because I was now pregnant, I wasn’t supposed to drink.  I think I had a half a glass…guiltily.

I realize now, how limiting that was.  We were actually limiting the good that could come to us becuase we refused to celebrate the good we had. 

So, don’t wait to open the good stuff and celebrate…even the small things in life, the good moments…the love you feel…the relationship that has mended…the new client…the sale…the good news…a new hairdo! Heck, why not?  Life’s short.

And, the more you recognize and celebrate the small stuff, the more good things you’ll find to celebrate. 

So open the fine champagne, or the good tea, or the fine chocolates, or the fun music. Whatever it is that puts a smile on your face and makes you feel like this is a special moment…do it!   It is a special moment. Celebrate it!

Today, I am grateful for lessons learned and another change to begin again.