We usually think of celebration as a corporate practice. But here are a few ways to practice the discipline of celebration on your own.

Start your morning by celebrating

Charles Spurgeon said, “Begin as you mean to go on, and go on as you began, and let the Lord be all in all to you.” Beginning your day by celebrating God’s goodness will help you frame your day with joy.

• When you wake, thank God for a new day in which to live, love, and serve God and your neighbor. Here’s a beautiful morning prayer from living-prayers.com:
    I come before you, O Lord.
  As the sun rises, may your hope rise up in me.
  As the birds sing, may your love flow out of me.
  As the light floods into this new day,
  may your joy shine through me.
  I come before you, O Lord,
  and drink in this moment of peace,
  that I may carry something of your hope, love, and joy
  today in my heart.
  Amen.
• Savor a good breakfast, giving thanks for the provision of food. Use the article Eating as Prayer as a guide for taking more joy in your food.
• Launch your workday with a song of celebration, such as Joy or Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective, or with a celebratory psalm such as Psalm 16, Psalm 103, or Psalm 150.

Recognize God’s abundance

The old advice to “count your blessings” is rooted in the practice of gratitude, which is a springboard for celebration. Intentionally notice, remember, and celebrate the good things God provides: food, clothing, shelter, the love of friends and family, employment, and so on. (For more ideas, check out our resources on the practice of gratitude.)

Look for the good and amplify it

We are bombarded all day with bad news, dire warnings, and suspicious thinking. Be a Philippians 4:8 person who intentionally looks for the good in God’s creation, in your neighbor, in your family, in your colleagues. Point out that good to others. Thank God for good whenever and wherever you see it.

Celebrate the small things

We often reserve celebration for big milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations) but forget to celebrate small, everyday occurrences and achievements. Look for ways to celebrate

• the successful completion of a difficult task or conversation.
• the acquisition of a new skill, either yours or someone else’s.
• the beauty of a sunset, a flower, or a favorite food.
• the kindness of a stranger.