I have a contribution
to make. I am not just taking up space
in this life. I can add something to the
lives I touch. –Lauren Bacall
Dear Friends,
Each day is cause for celebration. Think of your typical day: how much do you
accomplish? You do the laundry, go to work, cook, volunteer, or make someone’s day brighter. These are small steps to greater things, like
getting into college, being promoted, building something new, fixing something
old, or opening a business. What time
and effort these took. You poured
yourself into these goals, and you met them.
Surely, this is cause for celebration!
But when you surf the web or turn on the TV, what celebrations
do you see? Weddings, wedding anniversaries, bridal showers,
first dates, engagements, and baby showers.
When it comes to celebratory gifts, ladies, don’t even think of buying yourself those diamonds: only he can go to Jared's.
The matrimony industry makes billions on these clichés, yet
they appeal to only half of society. If
you are unmarried, widowed, or divorced, or if you have no children, you, according to
our culture, are exempt from celebration.
No one needs to throw you a party.
You have to find (and keep) a spouse first. Oh, and have a few kids while you’re at it. Yeah, you’ll get a birthday card for all the
These cultural gaps are missed opportunities. Who
doesn’t want more parties? Why aren’t we
honoring life’s other accomplishments?
Perhaps we don’t know where to start, or we’re too shy of asking others
to celebrate us. We don’t want
to appear arrogant, but is asking to be seen conceited?
Recently, my twenty-five-year-old sister, Rachel, bought herself a house. She wisely invested, got a
mortgage, and took the plunge. She did
this sans husband, fiancé, or boyfriend.
Despite the cultural stigmas pressing against her, Rachel achieved the American dream on her
own.
Thinking as I do, I had to celebrate this, so I threw Rachel a housewarming party. After sending the invitations (evite.com was free), Rachel and I decorated the house (Halloween lights and pumpkins, leaf garland, and chrysanthemums). My parents brought the libations, and we asked guests to bring appetizers to share. Although the house is not yet fully furnished, we had card tables and coasters, and the food everyone brought was delicious. For four hours, we laughed, wandered the house, drank, and were merry. We celebrated Rachel’s dream of a happy, single life in her new home.
My sister’s housewarming is one example of how we can celebrate single
people’s lives. We must start by
reaching out to our loved ones and doing something to honor them. Whether they open a business, run a marathon, or buy a new home, the people in
our lives deserve acknowledgment. You can do this in many
ways. Throw them a party, take them out
for a celebratory meal, join them in their favorite activity, or just send them
a card. It doesn't take much to make others feel special.
If we show people their successes merit attention, we
encourage them to live to their potential.
All of us, including those in romantic relationships or with children, deserve acknowledgement for meeting our goals. We're all getting up each day, trying to be our best selves. Surely, our world can only benefit from a few more celebrations.
Best wishes,
Super Spinster
