The Joy of Little Things: How to Celebrate Small Wins All Summer Long
As we all know from Phineas and Ferb, “There’s 104 days of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it.”
While 104 days may seem like a lot, I can guarantee it flies by. So this summer, lean into the slower and more spacious vibes. Teach yourself and those around you the value of noticing and celebrating progress—even tiny bits.
Here are three ways to celebrate the small wins this summer:
1. Create a “Summer Joy Jar”
Find a jar in your home or go thrifting for one if that’s more your vibe. Feel free to decorate it and fancy it up, though it’s not the outside I’m concerned about.
Each time you experience something that brings you joy (even if it’s a small thing) or you achieve something (again, even if it’s a small thing), write it down on a little slip of paper and put it into your jar.
Then when summer comes to an end you will hopefully have this jar that is overflowing with all these amazing memories and moments. This can also be something fun to do with your family.
2. Host a “Bring Your Own Reason to Celebrate” Gathering
My niece recently shared this idea with me that she saw an influencer (Katlyn van Wingerden, @kayy_davy) post about.
Essentially, the premise is that you invite a group of friends over and everyone brings their own reason to celebrate. And of course, any reason is an acceptable reason. It could be that someone is successfully keeping a plant alive or someone ran their first 5K.
Surround yourself with friends that love and support one another as they find joy in the little wins.
3. Start a “Summer Wins Tracker”
You know how when you’re potty training your kid, you’ll often have some kind of chart and they’ll get a sticker each day they go to the bathroom in the toilet and those stickers eventually lead up to a bigger prize?
Try a similar strategy with yourself. Each time you achieve a small win—give yourself a sticker, note it in your journal, whatever works for you. Then each time you reach 5 wins or 8 wins, etc. take yourself out for your favorite treat or that accessory you’ve been eyeing.
As you take the time to slow down and embrace the small wins of your summer you will find yourself more fulfilled and energized as you head into the next season of the your life.