The letter ‘r’ and why it matters

I wrote down the word CELEBRATE the other day, in the hope that seeing it taking centre stage on a blank sheet of paper, in big bold letters, would somehow inspire me. On second glance, I noticed I had unconsciously missed out the letter ‘r’.

So why am I thoughtful over the letter ‘r’?  Great curious question! The letter ‘r’ is a consonant. The definition of a consonant is “in agreement or harmony with’ and it strikes me that if we don’t take time to celebrate the small and big achievements of ourselves and others, we’re not giving ourselves permission to be in harmony with our whole being. 

It also struck me that when we miss the moments to celebrate, are we denying ourselves the opportunity to build and develop our resilience? (Another ‘R’ word and one of my favourites!) 

Research tells us that when we take time to celebrate it turns on the reward switch in our brain and we experience a release of dopamine - The feel-good switch that gives us a boost and enables us to respond more effectively to challenging or ambiguous situations in the future.

Various research suggests that celebrating is also important for our mental health, happiness and motivation and builds optimism. Who doesn’t want a bit of optimism in their life?

Noticing and appreciating when things have gone well, stores a message in the brain that can increase feelings of self-worth and contribution.  So next time you’ve got something small or big to celebrate, take a pause, notice, and appreciate what you or others achieved to get there. Take time to put the “R” back into CELEBRATE. Recognition feels good. Doesn’t it?