Unique Ways People Celebrate Nontraditional Milestones
This summer, my friend and I hosted a special celebration to commemorate our decade of living in New York City. We organized a fantastic barbecue, curated an impeccable playlist, but what truly stood out was the overwhelming gratitude I felt seeing all the friends I’ve made over the years gather from different boroughs, bringing their homemade dishes, and spending the afternoon with us. As adults, it can be rare to have such gatherings that go beyond the traditional milestones of marriage, children, or birthdays. Inspired by this experience, I decided to ask people about their nontraditional celebrations, and I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the unique ways they marked significant moments in their lives. Get ready to be inspired by these extraordinary anecdotes!
A Year Of Learning A New Language
Laliya Sabuni, based in Phoenix, Arizona, embarked on a journey to learn French using the app Duolingo. To track her progress, she shared screenshots with her friends, celebrating her language lesson streak milestones of 10, 50, and 100 days. Sabuni dedicated herself to maintaining her streak, prioritizing her language lessons over social outings, work commitments, and even a Beyoncé concert. Finally, after a year of consistent effort, she reached her one-year streak and decided to throw a party in September to honor her achievement. Sabuni explains, “Learning French and maintaining my streak became such an integral part of my daily routine. I wanted to celebrate not only my language skills but also the commitment and dedication it took to achieve this milestone. Every accomplishment, big or small, deserves recognition.”
Graduation From Grad School
Alli Weseman, from Portland, Oregon, believes that some of the best celebrations are those she throws for herself. When she got accepted into grad school, she celebrated by indulging in a frozen pizza, a bottle of lemonade, and a night of Netflix. Similarly, when she graduated last September, she treated herself to a solo acoustic show by Ed Sheeran in Vancouver, British Columbia. Weseman explains, “Having an intimate celebration allowed me to reflect on the hard work I put into earning my Master’s degree.” These personal celebrations carry deep meaning and encapsulate the individual journey of accomplishment.
The Launch Of A New Business
Nia Allen, pictured above, was set to open a luxury consignment store catering to Black women in Cleveland as part of her Kent State University thesis. However, due to the pandemic, her plans shifted, and she transformed her venture into an online pop-up store. Despite the change in circumstances, Allen still wanted to celebrate this significant milestone. She designed and sold T-shirts for the occasion, which quickly sold out, and curated a special playlist. To share the moment with her friends, she hosted a Zoom party the night before her online pop-up went live. Allen shares, “The celebration meant the world to me because it validated my voice and perspective in the fashion industry. Despite being a full-time graduate student and a full-time mom, I persevered and made my mark. It was a proud moment.”
Sober-versaries
Celeste Yvonne, a recovery coach and author, emphasizes the bittersweet nature of “sober-versaries.” These celebrations are filled with both pride for one’s progress and a sense of mourning for the person one used to be. Yvonne intentionally tracks her sober time as a source of motivation. On these memorable days, she finds different ways to commemorate the milestone, whether it’s labeling a bottle of Martinelli’s apple cider or treating herself to a massage or pedicure. Yvonne explains, “I welcome all the feelings, the complicated ones included. Reflecting on how much has changed and how much I’ve grown is an essential part of honoring my journey.”
Passing The Bar Exam
Atoke, who prefers not to share her full name, pursued law as a writer in Nigeria and decided to obtain her license to practice in Canada when she turned 40. Despite the uncertainties of studying law in a new country, she found immense support from her family, friends, and boss. With each exam she passed, she received gifts and messages of encouragement. Atoke successfully passed all her bar exams, and together with her friend, who also passed her exams and relocated to Toronto from Nigeria, they celebrated their achievements by indulging in KFC chicken and champagne. Atoke shares, “It may seem low-budget, but we were genuinely happy and impressed by what we had accomplished. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Completing 12 Rounds Of Chemotherapy
Racheli Alkobey Peltier, a cancer survivor, commemorates her journey with 12 rounds of chemotherapy by organizing annual scavenger hunts. Each hunt consists of 12 quests, symbolizing the 12 rounds of treatment she underwent. Alkobey Peltier chooses a different location each year and plans the quests with her husband. Additionally, she honors the day she received her cancer diagnosis by going bowling and sharing a lemon drop shot with friends. These traditions hold deep meaning for her, representing the process of healing and the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Alkobey Peltier says, “These nontraditional milestones are incredibly special. They remind us that life’s challenges have the power to transform us.”
Job Promotions Or Other Career Successes
Stacy Oden, from Charleston, West Virginia, organized a “Congrats/Level Up” dinner to celebrate her promotion, as well as significant events in her friends’ lives. The group gathered at a hibachi restaurant, reminiscent of their teenage years. Oden personalized wine glasses for each friend, writing their names with elegant penmanship and adding subtle but sophisticated designs with gold glass markers. The evening involved sharing achievements and toasting to future endeavors. Oden shares, “These intimate gatherings allow us to lift each other up, acknowledging and celebrating the success we’ve achieved in our careers and personal lives.”
While traditional milestones such as birthdays hold their special significance, it is the nontraditional experiences that truly shape us. These unique celebrations remind us of the resilience, strength, and growth we possess. So, take inspiration from these extraordinary individuals and start cherishing your own nontraditional milestones.
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