When dying people were asked about their top regrets in life, some items consistently on all lists were:
- Not pursuing dreams
- Not taking care of self
- Working too much at the neglect of family
- Not spending time with significant people
- Not staying in touch with others
- Holding on to bitterness
- Not enjoying life more
There will be things that happen in 2025 that are out of your control, but there are also some things that won’t happen unless you make them happen. Instead of anticipating the negative, how about scheduling something positive? How about changing something you can control?
While you’re scheduling that doctor’s appointment, hair or nail appointment, parent-teacher conference, or dinner reservation, include a slot to celebrate someone who’s had a significant impact on your life. People will remember what you do to honor and celebrate them. Luke 5:27-29 tells of a reception Levi (Matthew) gave to honor Jesus. Over 2000 years later, this story is still being told. One of the things that should be on our to-do list for 2025 is honoring others. It leads to a life of fewer regrets.
We ought to celebrate the people who’ve done the most for us or mean the most to us. It may be a parent, sibling, friend, teacher, co-worker, or pastor. It doesn’t have to be their birthday or a special occasion. The people who are the recipients of the most should be the most grateful. Don’t let the fact that you can’t throw a big party keep you from celebrating. Do what you can do. You have a unique way of expressing appreciation to those who have blessed you.
Here are some of the benefits of celebrating:
- Celebrating releases stress
- Celebrating provides motivation
- Celebrating recognizes excellence
- Celebrating shows appreciation and acceptance
- Celebrating builds energy
- Celebrating provides a time of reflection
Dust off your stove (or call a caterer), open some sparkling grape juice, grab the significant people in your life and let the party begin!