Celebrate Every Win

Why Wait? Live in the Moment.

Photo by RUT MIIT on Unsplash

Exactly a year ago, I had my matriculation ceremony and even if I had promised myself to be in high spirits and be very grateful about it. I wasn’t 😭

In fact, I fell sick.

How are you doing? How’s the year going for you? Consider this your subtle reminder that this month will be even better, just don’t forget to show up and put in the work!

Was it just me, or did January 2025 feel like one of the fastest months I’ve experienced? Probably because I didn’t have exams to write.😩

It’s completely okay if you’re still confused about what you want to achieve this year, February is a chill month anyway, take this as your cue to sit down, plan and strategize. Do it with friends if it helps.

You see, right from secondary school my matriculation ceremony was something I always looked forward to, it was a big feat for me and even if some people didn’t see it as a big deal, I did.

A month before my matriculation, I tried to get into an anticipating mood, but deep down I just wanted to get it over with. I even gave my matriculation gown to the dry cleaner because why not?

(Screams in freshest fresher)

It might have looked like I was doing too much but honestly, I just didn’t want to be sad on that day. Guess what?

I failed.

I had one of the most chaotic days and I just wanted it to end, it’s not like I even wanted to do anything before. 😔

So, why was it so hard for me to feel excited, even though I had looked forward to this day for so long? The truth was:

I had postponed my happiness.

I had already told myself before then not to get too excited and act normal because “What’s the big deal?”

It’s not like I was studying what I wanted to study, and it wasn’t an easy ride. I postponed my happiness to whenever I would achieve something “bigger.” At the time, I put myself in a strict military zone, forbidding myself from being too joyous.

(Sounds very sad, right? 🥲)

Why am I writing this?

I didn’t end up celebrating anything similar later, and I wasn’t even genuinely happy on that day. Who lost? Me.😭🤚🏾

Here are some reasons why you think your achievement isn’t worth celebrating:

• It came late, so what’s the use?

• Imposter syndrome: You think you don’t deserve it.

• “I’ll be happy when….?”: You’re waiting for a bigger milestone.

• External validation over internal fulfillment: You worry about what others will think.

• You’re in a comparison trap: You measure your success against others.

• Fear of jinxing it: You believe celebrating too soon might ruin it.

• Perfectionism: You think it’s not good enough to celebrate.

If this is you, and you’re already planning to push aside your win, no matter how small, I’m here to encourage you to rethink.

You don’t have to postpone your happiness. Celebrate your little wins, no matter how small. Stop conditioning yourself to think your achievements aren’t worth celebrating.

Acknowledge even the tiniest achievements and remind yourself that you deserve to be happy now, not just in the future. 💕

Look at the positive side, they are always things to be grateful for.

For example, my friend Precious whom I hadn’t seen in over 2 years came to visit me that day and we spent time together in my hostel. I was so sick I had to leave the matriculating hall early, but at least I got to see her.

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If there’s one thing I’m glad I did that day, it was that I ensured I took pictures in my already rumpled clothes and matric gown in the evening.

This is your sign to stop postponing happiness. Be present, celebrate even the small wins, and enjoy every single moment happening in your life!"

Bye Friend. 🩷