Life is often not perfect. There is always something that we want to attain or strive for. Do you focus on what you have or what you don’t have? Can life still be great, even if you haven’t got everything you want?

We can get so bogged down in our day-to-day, with routines, stress, kids, domestic stuff, work stuff, deadlines, and relationships. Life is full of ups and downs. It’s common to say, “I will be happy when…”. How about “I will celebrate when…”

The awe of being alive on this wonderous planet, can get lost in doing of life.

We all know that very big things can happen that we really can’t control. You can become caught up in feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, overwhelm and anxiety. When this happens, it is more important than ever to celebrate the simple and wonderful things about being alive.

All too often we hear about appreciating and celebrating life a lot more after nearly losing it through a major illness, accident, or trauma. I am sure that this provides a very unique lens on life, but what if you didn’t wait.

What if WHEN is NOW, this moment and today?

Here are 7 virtues that can guide you to celebrating life….your life. Instead of waiting for birthdays once a year, start today.

1.    Appreciation

Do you see the good in life; in situations, in institutions, in people, in yourself? When you are more disappointed about life than appreciative, life provides more disappointment to solidify your view. You have the power to change your view and refocus your lens.

Add appreciation to your life by: Appreciating the little things, noticing good qualities, the unique gifts and abundance around you. Become fully aware of the value of life, and especially your life.

2.    Enthusiasm

I love this virtue. Enthusiasm has Greek roots and means “God within” and having the spirit of life within you. Do you allow yourself to get excited about life? Do you embrace life wholeheartedly, with passion, joy, love and openness to what is possible?

Add enthusiasm to your life by: Doing things that you get excited. Don’t waste a single day where you do not connect or do something with a full heart, whether it’s hug your children, paint, dance, ride a horse, help someone or make love to your partner. Connect with your spirit within.

3.    Gratitude

Can you be thankful for how your life unfolds? The good and the bad? If you have ever been a phoenix that has risen from the ashes of life, you would know that gratitude is possible at any time. Gratitude is celebrating life in every moment.

Add gratitude to your life by: Seeing and reflecting daily on the gifts, abundance, lessons, and joys of life. Create gratitude rituals in your day of thanks and appreciation for the little, medium and big things in life.

4.    Openness

Are you willing to be vulnerable and share yourself with others? Are you willing to have an open mind to new idea and possibilities? Openness releases you from constriction, agendas, judgement, and control.

Add openness to your life by: Address any hang-ups you have about controlling the world around. Allow yourself to live with open and compassionate curiosity. Believe in surprises and miracles and allow life to unfold.

5.    Simplicity

There is a saying we all know about “enjoying the simple things in life”. Simple things are attainable for everyone. They are a hug, a smile, a coffee, a kiss, the sun on your face, or the birds singing. They are everyday joys that are close to us all. They are the basics of living a human life.

Add simplicity to your life by: Noticing what is right in front of you, contentedly doing and embracing those simple things with joy.

6.    Wonder

I believe life is a wonderful and mysterious thing. I am regularly in awe and admiration about the diversity, possibilities and opportunities of life. Do you ever feel amazed and inspired by life?

Add wonder to your life by: Celebrating the wonder of your body, the incredible vessel in which you experience life. Whether your body is working well, or struggling, everything about your body is miraculous. Take the time to show it gratitude, love and appreciation, in your actions, thoughts and feelings.

7.    Zeal

Do you deeply value life and give it your all? Do you have meaning and purpose in your life that you pursue with passion? Zeal is all about sharing the fire in your belly with others. Likewise, you find joy in others doing the same.

Add zeal to your life by: Sharing and doing what you are passionate about. When you express your purpose and create meaning in all aspects of your day-to-day, life feels like a celebration.

Celebrating life daily helps you to build your resilience muscle and allows you to endure life’s ups and downs with more optimism. It doesn’t ignore what you don’t have, what you might want or the unexpected kick in the guts by life. Instead, you see that no matter what the situation, life is something amazing to be cherished, honoured, and respected.

Now, go forth and celebrate life, and make sure you celebrate you in too.