Last week history was made in the National Hockey League. NHL goalie Marc-Andre Fleury became the first goalie to have won a game by a shutout in his teens and in his 40s. When told of that fact, Michael’s daughter commented, “You gotta love sports. They celebrate everything!” And how true that is.
Last week a youth symphony orchestra took a stage. Among the musicians was Diem’s nephew. All the young people were dressed in formal attire, tuxedos for the boys and black dresses or suits for the girls. She mentioned, “Yes, the kids dressed up and enjoyed playing.” And why wouldn’t they, modeling themselves after the professionals they look up to.
Professional sports leagues and teams look for the noteworthy, even if it is a pretty small note, to maintain engagement with their fans. Professional musicians at the symphony level dress to reflect the beauty of their production.
We have been thinking, why can’t we do the same?
Whether we’re doing something extraordinary or something more everyday like, whether we’re dressed for an occasion or for something more everyday like, we should do it with all that is deserving of the special moment that it is. Surely we know by now, every day, every moment, is special.
We have at times between ourselves light heartedly commented on how it seems every day is celebrating something. If it isn’t a federal, state, or religious holiday, there’s a chance it is recognizing some animal, food, or object. Actually, we found out, it isn’t just by chance that there is a chance of celebrating something every day. Something actually is celebrated every day. Marlo Anderson and the people at The National Day Calendar have scoured all the known calendars, all the industry days of recognition, and all the petitioned requests for specially noted days, and compiled them into an online and print calendar, the National Day Calendar.
There are about 1,500 entries in the National Day Calendar. Some are well-established, recognized days like Christmas or Independence Day. Some are sponsored by trade groups or professional organizations like National Hospital Week (first full week of May). Most are just for fun like “Talk like a Pirate Day” (September 19). Here is an interesting fact. Some of those “just for fun” days are backed by actual resolutions. Ronald Reagan was such a fan of ice cream that he signed a Presidential Proclamation naming the third Sunday of July “National Ice Cream Day.”
We decided it isn’t any less important to celebrate the special person that you are as it is to celebrate calzones (November 1), lost pennies (February 12), or raccoons (October 1). So by ROAMan Proclamation, we declare today, and every day that becomes a today, to be “I Am Special Day.”
No holiday is complete without its traditions. Even though this holiday is only hours old, we have some traditions to start it with.
Begin “I Am Special Day” saying, “I am special and today is my day” to bring you good vibes and energy all day long!
Stop once every hour and admire whatever happens to be around you and comment on its beauty, even if it’s just to yourself.
At least once a day, recognize something noteworthy that you did, like “That was the best coffee/tea/cocoa I made today!”
Close the day with “That was fun! Let’s do it again tomorrow.”
If you honor all these traditions, you will be rewarded with another “I Am Special Day” tomorrow. But if you miss one or even if you don’t comply with any, you will awarded a do-over and have a chance to try again on another “I Am Special Day” tomorrow.
For extra special special recognition, recognize the special-ness in others too. Smile and even wave at those you meet during your day. Remind them that they too are cause for celebration! Everybody qualifies as the “I” in “I Am Special Day.”
Have fun with your own “I Am Special Day” festivities. Make it as light-hearted or as serious as you want. Do something to celebrate you because we all feel better when we are recognized and valued for our presence. Feeling good and being happy about being you begins with you.
You might never win a hockey game or play an instrument on stage, but you are every bit as special as the most decorated athlete or most talented musician. You are the best you that there has ever been. That’s worth celebrating with its own special day, every day!
You're talking my language! Let's realign our perspectives to recognize the beauty, joy, and wonder of each new day and each person we meet. Can you imagine the impact of seeing people smiling wherever you went, treating others with kindness, and celebrating just being you? Thanks for this one, y'all. God celebrates each one of us--shouldn't we do the same?