Celebrate Yourself—Because You Made It Through February

Well, that was fast. Somehow, we’ve blinked, and the second month of the year is already over. Remember those New Year’s resolutions? Yeah, same. Whether you’re crushing them, tweaking them, or pretending they never existed, one thing is for sure: you’ve made it through two full months of life, responsibilities, and at least a dozen “I’ll start fresh on Monday” moments. And that, my friend, is worth celebrating.

Too often, we wait for some massive milestone before giving ourselves credit. We celebrate birthdays, promotions, and anniversaries but totally ignore the smaller, everyday victories—the ones that actually shape our lives. And here’s the secret: celebrating yourself isn’t self-indulgent—it’s essential.

When we regularly acknowledge our efforts, we shift our mindset from “never enough” to abundance. We start to build the joy we’re seeking, rather than just waiting for it to show up. And when the big “happy” moments do arrive? We’re actually able to embrace them instead of rushing to the next goal.

So, let’s take a page from two women who know a thing or two about self-acknowledgment: Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way) and Danielle LaPorte (The Fire Starter Sessions).

Why Self-Celebration Matters

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about why self-celebration is a game-changer.

You may have heard of the crowding out theory—a concept often used in nutrition. The idea is that when you fill your plate with healthy, nourishing foods, there’s naturally less room for the junk. Apply that to your mindset, and you’ll see that when you fill your life with moments of self-appreciation and gratitude, there’s less space for self-doubt, comparison, and that nagging inner critic who likes to remind you of everything you haven’t done.

Think about it: when you actively take time to celebrate yourself, you start noticing your own efforts more. And once you build that habit, it grows—just like any other muscle. Soon enough, that sense of gratitude and self-appreciation starts showing up in other areas of your life, creating a ripple effect of abundance.

In short, celebrating yourself makes life better. And the best part? You don’t need anyone else’s permission to start.

Three Ways to Celebrate Yourself (According to Julia Cameron)

Julia Cameron is basically the fairy godmother of creative self-care, and she swears by the power of celebrating yourself regularly. Here’s how:

1. Take Yourself on an Artist Date

Cameron recommends setting aside time each week to go on a solo adventure—something fun, something indulgent, something that makes you feel alive. It could be a trip to a bookstore, a pottery class, or just a guilt-free hour scrolling TikTok without thinking, I should be doing something productive. The point? To remind yourself that you matter.

The beauty of Artist Dates is that they aren’t about achieving anything. They exist purely for your enjoyment. When was the last time you did something just because it brought you joy? No productivity checklist, no outcome needed—just an experience that makes you smile.

2. Write Morning Pages (AKA Brain Dump Therapy)

Every morning, she suggests writing three pages of free-flowing thoughts—unedited, unfiltered, just you on paper. Some days, it’ll be profound; other days, it’ll just be “I need coffee” written 37 times. Either way, this ritual helps you clear mental clutter and acknowledge your own thoughts and progress.

Writing like this isn’t about crafting something perfect—it’s about getting out of your own head. It’s a form of self-reflection that helps you notice patterns, process emotions, and—most importantly—acknowledge your own inner voice.

3. Celebrate the Small Stuff

We’re great at downplaying our wins: Oh, it was nothing… No, it wasn’t. You handled a tough conversation. You remembered to drink water today. You didn’t throw your laptop out the window during that Zoom call. Give yourself credit!

Cameron believes we should acknowledge all our wins, big or small, because self-celebration is a muscle that gets stronger the more we use it. When you start recognizing your small victories, you build a foundation of self-worth that doesn’t rely on external validation.

How Self-Celebration Helps You Find Your Purpose (According to The Fire Starter Sessions)

Danielle LaPorte doesn’t just want you to celebrate yourself—she wants you to use that energy to fuel your passions. Here’s how:

1. Follow What Feels Good

Instead of obsessing over what you should be doing, start tracking what actually lights you up. What do you feel most proud of? What activities make you lose track of time? Those are clues to what truly fulfills you. Pay attention.

When you celebrate yourself, you naturally start noticing what brings you the most joy. And joy isn’t random—it’s a signpost pointing you toward the life you’re meant to be living.

2. Create a “Desire Map” (Because Goals Are Overrated)

LaPorte flips traditional goal-setting on its head. Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, she suggests asking: How do I want to feel? Fulfilled? Energized? Creative? Once you know the feeling you’re after, you can shape your life around that—rather than chasing external checklists that may not actually make you happy.

This is a radical shift from the way most of us have been taught to approach success. But when you prioritize feelings over outcomes, you open yourself up to more organic, fulfilling achievements.

3. Act Before You Feel Ready

If you’re waiting until you’re fully ready to start chasing your passions, you’ll be waiting forever. LaPorte encourages celebrating yourself now—messy, imperfect, and figuring things out as you go. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for action; it’s a result of it.

Think about the last time you tried something new. You probably didn’t feel 100% ready, but you did it anyway—and learned as you went. Self-celebration helps you build that courage muscle, making it easier to take the next leap, and the next, and the next.

Your Turn: What Small Wins Can You Celebrate?

You’ve made it through two months of the year, and that alone is worth a high five. But what else?

Maybe it’s setting boundaries. Maybe it’s drinking water instead of just coffee (progress is progress). Maybe it’s simply getting through a tough day.

Whatever it is, pause and acknowledge yourself. Write it down. Say it out loud. Give yourself the credit you deserve.

Because if you don’t celebrate you—who will?