Why do we wait until a big moment — like a birthday, book deal, or award — to celebrate life?
Why do we wait until someone has died to express how deeply we love them — and how much they've touched our lives?
Why do we wait until we are sick to prioritize our health like it matters?
. . .
Last week, I gave a presentation at a conference in Los Angeles. It was a profound honor to be there. After my presentation, I stayed for the rest of the event to mingle, watch the other panels and speakers, learn, and take notes.
The headline speaker was Yvette Noel-Schure. She’s a powerhouse publicist whose clients include Beyoncé and the late Prince. The topic of her talk was How to Be a Star.
She arrived onstage wearing a jeweled crown. She wore a vibrant green dress with a long train billowing behind it — so long, she required an attendant to carry the fabric behind her as she made her way onstage. May I note, it was 10 am.
You know how certain people enter a room and the energy shifts? The entire room was in awe. A Queen was in our midst.
Yvette shared brilliant thoughts on how to become excellent at your craft, the importance of talent combined with hard work and meticulous preparation, how to make a name for yourself, and the winding journey to success.
But my biggest takeaway from her presentation wasn’t about fame or fortune. It was one moment. Two words. Celebrate now.
Yvette told a story about throwing herself a fabulous party — the party to end all parties — dancing in her home surrounded by dear friends. She urged everyone in the audience to celebrate life to the fullest — not just on the big occasions, but every day.
She spoke of dancing and knowing that her ancestors were close — watching, rejoicing at seeing her celebrate the gift of life.
Tears came to my eyes. I thought about my Uncle Adam who died tragically at a young age. My Grandpa Erik and Grandpa Selig, both of whom died too soon, before I was born. Grandma Muriel losing her vision. My brother, Ben, the night his lung collapsed, and the emergency surgery that followed.
I thought about Aunt Kay who succumbed to the virus. And I thought about that frightening moment last year when my mom went unconscious, the ambulance came, and I feared she was gone forever.
I thought about all the ways in which I postpone joy until later.
And I decided to stop doing that.
Today for breakfast, I lit candles, picked purple and red flowers, arranged them on the counter, and used the fanciest plates and cups.
Because today is a gift and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
How will you celebrate life today?
Celebrate the big moments and the small ones. Celebrate the simple fact that there is breath in your lungs and coffee in your cup. Today is not over yet.
Celebrate now.
-Alex
PPS. Grandpa Selig's motto was: "Never miss a sunset." No matter how busy you are, no matter how much you've got going on, always take ten minutes to pause and admire the setting sun. Drink it in. Tonight: don't miss it.