We like to celebrate.

Small things and definitely the bigger things.

Individually as well as collectively.

These celebrations mirror who we are or how we look at things.

This Diwali weekend, as I contemplated the meaning of celebrations, these thoughts crossed my mind. They started off with the festive cheer of the moment and then wandered in the woods to peep into the other celebrations that I have had or been a part of.

And what came out of this random-down-the-road thought train was something interesting…

The first stop on this train of mine was festivals.

I have always had a great affection for Diwali. It’s my favorite festival, right since childhood. As I grew up, these five days came to mean much more than just bursting crackers and eating sweets. It is these five days that have helped me remain close to my extended family. Celebrating being with each other, enjoying those little moments, being in each other’s company at least once a year during this time is what I have looked forward to. And while years have passed by, the bonding still calls me home.

The energy that I get from celebrations like Diwali helps me wade through other mazes in life…

The second stop on this train was personal celebrations.

The kinds I do when I get a year older, or enjoy another anniversary with my wifey, or achieve success in what I had set out to do. These celebrations are an important aspect of those special moments in my life. With just close ones around me. These celebrations happen each year but leave me with memories that last for a few years more.

Those memories is what makes me fondly remember times that passed by and the moments I cherish…

The third stop on the train was collective celebrations.

The likes I have had with office colleagues. Or friends. Or cousins. Where we celebrated hitting a milestone or an achievement. Or just enjoyed each other’s company in a setting different than the usual. The joy of spending that time together is what pulls us together and helps us pause to enjoy as a group without getting held up in the many immediate things going on in our life.

These celebrations are important to me for they allow me to be happy and appreciate the folks around me…

As this thought train wound back up to the origin point in my mind, I realized that all of these different celebrations have a great significance in my life. For they allow me to process life and continue the journey with vigor. And they aid my progress from time to time.

Even one of them missing from the scheme of things can throw the balance off. And derail not just my thought train but even cause misalignment in the tracks life has laid out ahead of me.

Seemingly a minor insight but one of great value to me – celebrate more, often, without compromises!