Why Is It So Hard to Celebrate Ourselves?
Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I feel like this has been the month of personal blogs… but here we go again.
March 18th is my birthday.
And when I sat down to think about what to write this week, I kept coming back to something that shows up for me every single year:
Why is it so hard to take even one day—a single day out of 365—and fully celebrate yourself?
I know I’m not alone in this.
Every year I tell myself, This year I’ll do something special. Maybe I’ll take the day off. Maybe I’ll plan something just because I want to.
And then… life.
A meeting pops up. A client needs something. A school thing. A deadline.
And suddenly it’s, “It’s just another day.”
You get some lovely Facebook messages. Maybe you go to dinner with family. And you tell yourself, That’s enough. That’s fine.
And it is fine.
But also… why do we talk ourselves out of more?
The Quiet Minimizing
There’s this subtle narrative that sneaks in:
It’s not a big birthday. It’s not a milestone year. It’s not worth making a fuss.
We are so good at minimizing our own moments.
We’ll plan incredible celebrations for our kids. We’ll show up big for our partners. We’ll coordinate thoughtful surprises for friends.
But when it comes to ourselves?
“Oh, it’s just me.”
I had a boss years ago who did a really good job of celebrating her birthday. Every year she would take a big trip with friends. It was intentional. It was joyful. It was clearly important to her.
And I remember thinking quietly, That’s actually really cool. Good for her.
She didn’t apologize for it. She didn’t downplay it. She celebrated being alive for another year.
There was something powerful about that.
Getting Started
If You’re Not Going to Celebrate You… Who Is?
Here’s the part that gets me.
We know tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
We say that all the time in big, philosophical ways. But what does it look like to live like that’s true?
If tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, then another birthday isn’t guaranteed either.
So why not mark it?
Why not choose something you really want to do? Why not take the day off? Why not gather your people? Why not take the trip? Why not rest?
Why do we need permission to celebrate our own existence?
Sometimes I wonder if it feels indulgent. Or unnecessary. Or self-focused in a way that makes us uncomfortable.
But maybe it’s not indulgent.
Maybe it’s grounding.
Maybe it’s a way of saying: I’m here. This year mattered. And I matter in it.
The Practical Side (Because You Know I Have One)
If I were giving this advice to a client, I’d probably say:
Put it on the calendar now. Block the day. Decide in advance that it’s important.
Because if you don’t plan for it, life will absolutely plan over it.
We know this. I talk about it all the time when it comes to organizing, goals, and priorities.
If something matters, it needs space.
Maybe celebrating yourself deserves space too.
Will I Learn This Lesson?
I’m still figuring this out.
This year was lovely. It was simple. It was meaningful in quiet ways.
But I can already feel that nudge for next year.
What would it look like to really choose something? Not because it’s a milestone. Not because someone else plans it. But because I decide I’m worth celebrating?
We’ll see if I learn this lesson by next March.
But in the meantime, I’m curious—
Is this something you struggle with too? Or are you someone who has figured out how to celebrate yourself well?
If you’re not going to celebrate you… who is?
Maybe this is the year we all get just a little bit better at it.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.