*Header Photograph by Marcelo Miranda.
Joy is your birthright.
Let me say that again, and louder for the people in the back: Joy is your birthright.
It’s not something that you earn only after hitting a major milestone, or when circumstances are absolutely perfect, because spoiler alert—they never are.
Joy is something you are allowed to feel right now. Who says you have to wait for a “big win” to throw confetti? Why can’t you celebrate showing your face on camera for the first time, or posting your art online? What about writing one sentence “even if it’s not any good,” or sending a message to someone about a possible collaboration? Hell, cleaning up your workspace deserves a little treat!
By making space for small, intentional celebrations in your creative journey—or your life as a whole—you’re grounding yourself in the present and honoring the steps you’re taking. And that joy you feel? It’s going to give you the courage to keep going like the freaking Energizer Bunny.
Take a sec and think about this: What was the last thing you celebrated? When was it?
We could all benefit from more confetti moments in our lives. What does a confetti moment look like for you? It doesn’t actually have to involve confetti. In fact, it can be downright silly.
If you’re hung up on what to do, I’ve got you covered.
Five Creative Rituals to Celebrate Your Tiny Victories
- Sticker Chart: Stickers aren’t just for kids, and I know you have a stash you’ve hoarded somewhere. Track your wins somewhere visible to remind you just how awesome you are!
- Have a Dance Party: Put on your favorite song, or a song that gets you super hype, and move your body!
- Confetti Note: Write yourself a congratulatory note and hide it somewhere you’ll find later like in your planner or wallet.
- Text Your Cheer Squad: Make a group chat of friends who will send you all the excited gifs and emojis when you text them about opening your document for the first time in weeks.
- Grab Yourself a Little Treat: When in doubt, treat yo’self. It shouldn’t be a huge splurge—remember, we want this to be something sustainable you can do again and again. Go ahead, friend, buy the cookie.
Go forth, and find joy in the journey! Feel free to share the ways you celebrate your small wins below in the comments.
