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Raveen's avatar

Well said. I think that it's important to actively remind ourselves to take the time and effort to cherish and celebrate our own fresh starts in life.

We need to recognize our own self-worth and value in going through such experiences, and be proud of ourselves and what we've accomplished.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Yes, definitely. But it’s often hard to do that, even for me, despite the fact that I know how important it is.

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Raveen's avatar

Yeah, I think it is indeed hard for people in general.

That's why such crucial life lessons need to be taught to children, so it's easier to accept and integrate into their thinking.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

A lovely post, Wendi. I'm all for celebrating everything worth celebrating - which I'm happy to say is a LOT. There are dates that come along where initially I might feel a heaviness in my chest because 'on this day x years ago y happened and it was horrid' - but if I'm having a good day I'll harness hindsight and gratitude to help that heaviness evaporate. 😊

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

I’m happy you have so much to celebrate and, at least on good days, can transform painful memories into gratitude. Thanks for sharing your experience, Rebecca!

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Roshana Ariel's avatar

Great idea! Hahaha, I have three divorces I could celebrate! And many other rebirthdays, I'm sure.

Love this. :)

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Thanks, Roshana. And I know some people actually have parties when their divorces are finalized!

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Crysta Fletcher's avatar

This is a great idea, Wendi! Thank you for the encouragement to celebrate growth especially when it is birthed from pain and hardship.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Thank you, Crysta. It definitely helps me when I celebrate small successes and remember how bad things used to be when I’m feeling bad about how they are now!

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Rudy Fischmann's avatar

As someone living with cancer, this view my “cancerversary” as a rebirth day. I know plenty of people who aren’t too fond of those as it brings up strong feelings but for me, it’s a reminder of the positive perspective change it brought to my life. Most of cancer is pretty terrible, but that perspective shift is definitely one of the few bright spots. I feel like I’m a better person all around as a result. But yeah, it’s a pretty crappy way for life lessons. I don’t recommend it.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

I love that you celebrate your “cancerversary” as a rebirthday. And my most valuable life lessons have been the results of very crappy things too. So have everybody else’s I know. It definitely sucks that there doesn’t seem to be an easier way to learn them!

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