Daily celebrations in August

“It’s life that matters, nothing but life—the process of discovering, the everlasting and perpetual process, not the discovery itself, at all.”

~Fyodor Dostoevsky

I chose CELEBRATE as my 2026 Word of the Year (WOTY). One way I’m putting that word into practice is to take note of the many things I have to celebrate…large and small…during the month and share the highlights with you on the final Tuesday of each month.

Another way of putting my word into practice is to keep a Celebration Journal. Throughout the day when something strikes me as worth celebrating…no matter how small…I jot it down in my journal. Each night just before bed, I review the day’s list and quietly celebrate my good fortune.

For this month’s Celebration blog post, I have decided to share with you one item from each day of my Celebration Journal.

August Celebrations

1. My sister, Cindy, arrived for a visit!

2. Spent a fun day in the pool with my sister.

3. Tried a new drink at Swig…Raspberry Dream. It was indeed dreamy.

4. We made it safely to our Murray home. The drive was uneventful…the best kind.

5. Had lunch at Red Rock Brewery with a friend I used to work with.

6. Got my hair done.

7. I couldn’t choose one, so you get A and B: 

7.a. Had brunch with two of my sisters at Ruth’s Diner.

Omelet, hash browns, and an orange wedge.
Smoked salmon omelete from Ruth’s Diner in Emigration Canyon, Utah

7.b. PR’d the Catch Me if You Can workout at Orangetheory Fitness.

Catch me if you can original workout.

8. Cleaned out the guest room and donated extra blankets to charity.

9. Found time to read.

10. Made it safely back to Southern Utah, listening to a fascinating podcast, Under Cover of Knight.

11. Started a new jigsaw puzzle.

12. My blog audit went well…no issues found.

13. Bought new trail and gym shoes from St. George Running Center.

Topo Athletic trail runners.
Topo Ultraventure 5 for walking and hiking
Altra women's running shoes.
Altra Torin 9 for the gym and pickleball

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14. We got rain!

15. Got my nails done. Sadly this was my last appointment with Kylee.

Pink french tip nail art.

16. Enjoying a freshly cleaned house.

17. Had a much-needed stretch session with Liv.

18. Picked up my framed Camino certificates.

Framed Camino de Santiago certificates, pilgrim's passport, and a shell.

19. Repotted my spider plant.

A spider plant, potting soil, and gardening gloves.

20. Had a glorious massage from Gabrielle at Melted Massage, followed by an iced coffee from FeelLove Coffee.

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21. Work on the pickleball court has started.

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22. Had a really good night’s sleep.

23. A clean car with a full tank, courtesy of Larry.

24. Cupboards full of healthy, delicious food.

25. Went to dinner with our neighbors.

26. Completed my Marathon Month goal (half-marathon) and earned cute socks.

Marathon Month. Every mile adds up. Miles to date 14.27.
Orangetheory socks.

Your turn

  1. What did you celebrate in August?
  2. Are you ready for the upcoming change of seasons?
  3. What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.

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12 Comments

  1. I didn’t really celebrate much of anything in August. My mother in law did have a birthday and we had a family party for her but I felt like I was much too distracted to really enjoy it as my dad had just passed away and we were in the thick of dealing with ALL the things. We did have a fun night out for ice cream just before the boys left for college so there was that at least!

    1. My condolences to you, Joanne. It’s difficult to celebrate in the midst of losing someone you love, not to mention all the things that need doing. I’m glad you were able to get out with the family. Sending love!

  2. I really love how you are celebrating the little things! I don’t do a daily review, but I have continued to do an end of the month one. My monthly “I did it” list has turned into noting many of the little things to celebrate.
    This month has had a few biggies as well! My birthday was a lovely celebration as I had so many FB notes – more than I expected and quite joyful hearing from people from so many parts of my life. I had a fabulous trip with my nieces to DisneyWorld. And the house build has had some real progress.
    I was reading an article today about habits to help you live a more joyful life, and “it’s the little things” was a key aspect of that article. You are definitely living that message!

    1. Happy belated birthday to you, Pat! I’m glad August held lots of celebrations…big and small…for you. I have come to believe that happiness really is about appreciating the little things.

  3. It made me happy that I was a part of some of the things you found joyful. I loved all the pictures and short videos! I am really looking forward to Fall, but last winter was so mild I don’t know what to expect. Mother Nature is definitely a mystery.

  4. Hi Christie – I love all of these small joys that added together made for a lovely August. I’ve just started a monthly collaged journal based on a youtube video I saw and liked. It inspired me to put together all the little happenings of the month into something visual and reviewable as the year goes forward.

  5. A fabulous list of celebrations big and small Christie! I think mine would be ‘settling back into life at home’ after all my travels – more of an achievement than a celebration I suppose but important to me. I have also been to the gym most days and added Reformer Pilates classes to my list, so I’m staying active!
    Enjoy the month ahead!

    1. Yes, Debbie, settling in at home and getting back into a routine after a long vacation is definitely something to celebrate. Nice work on staying active. I’m curious what Reformer Pilates is, so I’ll check that out. Here’s to a spectacular September!

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