I remember when Sunday was a day off for everyone; the banks, schools and government offices were closed, but also were most recent establishments. It was a day with no expectations for production and many people invested the day with family or enjoying leisure activities.  “Sunday dinner” was something my mom loved to prepare to pull family members together on a day when no one was rushing out to something.

Have times ever changed!

Rarely does anyone work the hours of a traditional work week anymore, families are running in multiple directions with sports, music, education, volunteer activities, etc., side-hustles are not uncommon, and establishments of all description are open long hours each day … until they’re not.

Where I live there are established holidays, some statutory and some voluntary.  There are religious holidays (Easter, Christmas), government closures (New Year’s Day), historic observations (Remembrance Day, Victoria Day), pauses for unity (Canada Day) and what I call, “gratitude days” (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day.)  In a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, there is an expectation that everyone recognizes these.

But what about taking a day off to celebrate something personal and meaningful to you?

Like the day you were born!  Or how about a milestone recognition called, Transformation Day? I’m also a big fan of Personal Miracle Day. 

Aha! ~ Celebrate what counts, not what’s counted

What if instead of waiting for a sale sign, a national calendar or an organization to tell you what matters, you made the conscious choice to celebrate what’s real and meaningful to YOU?

When you mark a day because you decided it holds value, it becomes more than a day off—it becomes an act of self-leadership and self-love. A declaration that you’re not just following a prescribed path; you’re carving your own. That’s powerful. Because when you choose to honor your timeline—like your born-day, your Transformation Day, or your Personal Miracle Day—you’re aligning with who you really are, not just what the world expects you to be.

It's innately important to align with something greater than ourselves so celebrating our country, our history or our community is essential in honoring our interconnection.  Individually, though, we all have a unique purpose and bring value and significance that’s worth paramount recognition.

When you decide to invest in meaning – not marketing – you mark what matters.  Forget the sale and follow your soul.

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This week’s discussion in Humna U we tackle the pressure of imposed holidays and what we’d really like to celebrate!  Join us here.