Today is June 30. Tomorrow is Canada Day. I am in Toronto amidst the FIFA excitement. For many this July 1 will be a milestone. For some it might be a significant birthday. For others it might be taking in a day at FIFA Fanfest in Vancouver or Toronto or a watch party for matches 80, 81 and 82 being held in San Francisco, Seattle or Atlanta. And for some it was the date that they received their Canadian citizenship perhaps last year or 40 years ago. These are all milestones in people’s lives. Milestones are achievements and achievements should be celebrated.
Last week I celebrated a milestone. On June 24 it was 17 years since I quit smoking. I celebrated quietly but I recognized the milestone. But today it is an even bigger milestone. On this day in 1996, 30 years ago today, I had my last drink. Today is 30 years of one day at a time not drinking. I don’t normally publicly “celebrate” this anniversary or birthday… but I was encouraged to do so. Today is a milestone. I am proud to have 30 years of sobriety and even prouder to know that I have more years of sobriety in those 30 years than all the 23 years I drank.
Whether that milestone is the anniversary of your marriage or years in a job or at a company or years of sobriety or doing the polar bear swim annually, celebrate it. Celebrate with those that know and every once in a while, celebrate that milestone with those that don’t know… or so I was urged to do.
And tomorrow be sure to shout out very loud “I am proud to be a Canadian”!
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