Eat the Cake: Celebrating Life's Simple Moments

Life’s too short to wait for the perfect occasion to celebrate. Don’t hold off on eating cake, cracking open the bubbly, or feeling proud of yourself until something "big" happens. Celebrate every day—the big wins, the small wins, even the rejections that turn into redirections. That’s real gratitude: finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Here are five down-to-earth ways to celebrate the everyday moments:

1. Friday Night Dance Party

I used to love having friends over to my tiny Manhattan apartment, where I’d whip up Aperol spritzes no matter the season and bake buffalo cauliflower pizzas. We’d turn up the music and dance like we had the whole city to ourselves. Honestly, those nights in were often more fun than actually going out.

These days, my dance parties are smaller but just as joyful—me, my husband, and our two-year-old son, grooving in our only slightly larger Brooklyn kitchen. Thankfully, he’s into 

EDM (Spotify playlist linked). Your version can look however you want. Put on your favorite playlist and dance like no one’s watching—even if it’s just you in your socks.

2. Plan Your Own Celebration

Why wait for someone else to make plans? If you’ve worked hard on something or hit a personal milestone, honor it! Throw yourself a little dinner after crushing that work presentation or invite friends to a yoga class to celebrate sticking to your wellness goals. Planning your own celebration is empowering and ensures you’re always giving yourself the credit you deserve.

3. Recognize Someone Else’s Win

Celebrating isn’t just about you. Take time to lift up the people in your life. Is your friend leaving a toxic job? Plan a happy hour in their honor. Did your sibling finally finish their side project? Bring over dessert and toast to their success. Sharing in someone else’s joy strengthens connections and spreads positivity—it’s a win-win.

4. Make Everyday Gratitude a Ritual

You don’t need a grand event to celebrate. Light a candle at dinner and say one thing you’re grateful for. Write down your small victories in a notebook. Even a deep breath before eating—to savor the smells, the flavors, the moment—is a celebration of life’s little gifts. These habits turn ordinary moments into something special.

5. Budget for Rewards

Celebration doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does require intention. Build in a little room in your budget for treats. For example, set aside $20 a week so every two months you can splurge on something that brings you joy—whether it’s a fancy dinner, a new outfit, or a day trip. Planning for rewards makes them feel earned and guilt-free, while still keeping your finances in check.

Celebrating doesn’t mean waiting for life’s big moments. It’s about finding joy in the everyday—the silly, the small, the overlooked. Whether you’re dancing in your kitchen or treating yourself to something special, every day has something worth honoring. True gratitude is about seeing the beauty in what you already have.