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Our Story

Celebrate with Joy!

celebrate

[sel-uh-breyt] verb

1. to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities:

2. to make known publicly; proclaim:

3. to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize:

4. to have or participate in a party, or good time:

 

Joy

[joi] noun

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

2. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

3. a state of happiness or felicity.

In the prime of my life I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. A malignant tumor on my kidney. Cancer. Impossible! I never imagined my name and cancer in the same sentence. I was far too young. Who would raise my children? Who would take care of my husband? Who would love my grandchildren? What about my future, my dreams, my aspirations?

 

A wise woman said it well: “One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life. And with that she realized the only control she had was how she chose to handle them. So she made the decision to survive using courage, humor and grace. She was the QUEEN of her own life and the choice was hers.” -Karen Kinney

Although sometimes a challenge, I worked diligently to make lemonade out of the lemons that were dished out to me.

It was a miracle the tumor was discovered, but certainly no accident. I do not believe for a minute that the timing of events in my life was a coincidence. Without doubt I experienced a miracle and during the dark months of surgeries and recovery I determined I would take my life to a new level. Never again would I take any facet of life for granted. Celebrating the precious gift of life would become part of my everyday routine and I determined to step my life up a notch or two by creating a more joy filled and joyful life for myself and those in my circle of influence. Ultimately, I envision sharing my passion for celebrating life, life filled with purpose and joy, with hundreds, even thousands.

 

As the anniversary of being cancer free approached, I initially planned slowing down my pace of life for a few hours and pampering myself. As I pondered how I could create the ultimate celebration I thought of all the kindnesses extended to me by so many as I recuperated from serious health issues. Realizing that reaching out to family and friends who lifted me when I was down and sharing a celebration of life, not my life, but the gift of life we all enjoy, would create more joy than being focused only on myself.

 

My first Celebration of Life was a huge success. On the invitation I explained this event was not celebrating my life, but joining in a celebration of the miracle of life as we shared a few hours doing celebration of life projects I provided or if the guests chose, doing nothing at all. There were no expectations. I wanted my guests to come, unwind and enjoy time to focus on whatever sparked joy for them.

 

Tools for creating Celebration Discovery Journals were provided in one corner. Once we discover the things that support our authentic selves, it is easier to eliminate the things that do not. Learn more here. I provided women’s magazine filled with possibilities, notebooks, scissors and glue.

 

A Celebration Gratitude Journal is a tool that has enriched my life and kept my thoughts on my blessings over the years.  Those wishing to begin their own Celebration Gratitude Journals could commence that very day.

Two massage therapists shared their healing gifts with those who chose to enjoy a massage.  One friend crocheted. No matter the activity they were immersed in, everyone basked in the ambience of the day. Click here to download the pdf.

 

The table was spread with my favorite foods and snacks others brought to share. My favorite music played in the background as my favorite fragrance wafted throughout the house. Balloons and confetti spark joy for me so my home was filled with them.  Each guest was given my deep, sincere gratitude for the part they played in my life as I gifted each a long stemmed yellow rose and a party favor.  I composed a poem that was attached with a ribbon to a party favor of netted material filled with kidney beans.

Some who attended shared their feedback:

 

  • I really didn’t feel like I fit in this neighborhood although I have lived here a year. Joining in this Celebration of Life Day has made me feel welcome and part of a group.

  • I am late and wish I hadn’t missed the earlier part of the Celebration of Life Day but I couldn’t miss the whole event as it knew it would be a day of renewal and inspiration.

  • I told my husband I really didn’t have time to come to your Celebration of Life Day today but he encouraged me to take the time to attend.  I have so much to do at home but now I don’t want to leave.

 

 

We all experience heartache and sorrow, but the secret to a joyful life is making the best of the trials and living the other moments to the fullest. None of us are guaranteed another day and we certainly do not want to come to the end of our lives filled with regret of dreams unfulfilled or precious time wasted.

Joy and gratitude have the highest frequency of all emotions. Creating joy in our life will elevate our daily existence. Life will be sweet and filled with richness, and you will discover your life to be more than a mere existence of survival. Joy certainly distinguishes the difference in mediocrity and extraordinary.

Most of the time we have to create our own joy. Discover ways to weave joy into even the mundane and routine. Sometimes there are joyous moments that just happen but for the most part, we must take control of our lives and create joy for ourselves. It is true that “most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…Life if like an old-time rail journey-delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”. (From Big Rock Candy Mountains)

Visualize what you want. Manifest your dreams. Celebrate each success.

Joy is a choice and can be experienced by all. It is no secret that others are drawn to people who exude joy and optimism. Visualizing living a joyful life creates exactly that-a joyful life. Joyfully recognize the blessings that are yours right now in this moment.

Allow yourself to feel joy.

Pure joy.

Create it.

 Embrace it.

Share it.

Be a joyful celebration of life. 

    Celebrate with Joy Affirmations:

  • I always find ways to experience joy

  • I celebrate living with pure joy

  • I embrace and claim life with endless joy

  • I take great pleasure in living a life of joy

  • Joyous success and prosperity follow me everywhere I go

  • I create more joy in the world each and every day

  • My life is overflowing with joy

  •  

  • I joyfully live each day

  • My day is filled with joy, peace and serenity

  • I am a joyful celebration of life

  • I give thanks for the joy that is manifesting in my life

  • My life is filled with joy and happiness

  • I am overflowing with joy

  • Living with genuine joy is delightful

  •  

  • I am joyful

  • I create joyful moments that result in joyful hours, joyful days and joyful years

  • I am joyful and joy-filled

I have adopted a policy in my home and office. If something I own doesn’t spark joy, I discard it or find a new home for it. Surround yourself with an environment that sparks true joy for you in order to live your authentic life. Joy sparking things range from music to clothing to home décor to hobbies and even recreation.

 

 

Life Success Formula

Imagine what you want + Visualize what you imagine

+ Manifest what you visualize = Celebration for what you have been given.

Celebration is the highest form of gratitude for those things we receive through manifestation.

 

 

Celebrating life is a mixture of believing in yourself, celebrating your accomplishments, loving yourself and serving others.

Each year I find a meaningful way to celebrate on my Celebration of Life Day. I invite you to choose a day for your own Celebration of Life Day and create a life that is joyful and joy filled. Share your experiences with us! E mail them to CelebrateWithJoy@gmail.com.

Share your story to inspire others, create your own Celebration of Life Day. Invite those in your circle of influence to visit our website and ignite the flame of celebration for all you know.

Here is to your celebration, happiness, joy, abundance and prosperity.

Susan Stucki
Founder and Creator
Celebration of Life

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