After nearly a year since I started on the CVA (Certified Veterinary Acupuncture) course and intense months of studying for the exams, I am more than elated to share that I PASSED the examinations. Now the only things left to get my certification are to complete an internship, submit a case report and complete my DVM degree. A huge and difficult part of it is over and it needs to be celebrated!
Not going to lie but right after finding out that I passed, I genuinely felt so relieved and elated but of course the moment didn’t last long. I felt a little bit of emptiness. It was the feeling of “what’s next?” I know in theory that chasing goals after goals is purposely without enjoying the process and, of course, celebrating. I enjoyed every bit of preparing for the exams but I realised I need to PAUSE and CELEBRATE.
Here are 7 wholesome and inexpensive ways you can celebrate your big win which you worked so hard for:
1. Practice self-care
Treat yourself to a good nutritious meal. A good meal doesn’t need to be expensive or require you to splurge. It just means properly sitting down and mindfully savouring each bite of the meal, rather than rushing to finish the meal. Take your time, go slow.
Another treat can be recreating your own home spa day. A nice long hot shower or a cold shower, you do what your body needs! Then after, lie on a bean bag/sofa/your bed with a nice cold facial mask and cucumber on your eyes
Chill by the balcony with a nice hot cup of hot chocolate or your favourite drink. Maybe read a book or watch a movie/series. Something you’ve kept yourself away from doing because you needed to focus on achieving the goal. Now that you’ve achieved it, you deserve a good treat!
What I DO NOT recommend is using social media… Just to scroll through videos after video or posts after posts, trust me, you wouldn’t feel good afterwards. But of course, there are exceptions, like if you want to share your journey or success so that others get inspired then go for it! Good intentions matter. Or if you want to express your gratitude and the only way to thank those involved is through social media then do it but go off it as soon as you’re done. Again, good intentions matter.
2. Reflect on your win.
Sometimes it may be difficult to find time to remind yourself why this goal you’re working so hard to achieve is so precious and important to you. Now is the perfect time to do it. It’ll help you answer your question on, “so, what’s next?”
The emptiness I felt after finding out that I passed was because I forgot the greater WHY. For the past few months I was too focused on studying for the exams that I neglected reflection and a reminder that this big win is not the end. It’s the start of an even crazier journey ahead. After writing my newsletter issue (which was my way of reflection — an open reflection), the feeling of emptiness completely disappeared and right now I am more than eager to use acupuncture more frequently and to witness its power unfold before me.
3. Celebrate with loved ones and friends
Throw a party or gathering. Bake or cook together. Play some games or simply watch a movie. And of course, share with them your journey leading up to the big win (because maybe you’ll inspire them too) and to thank them for being around during this rather challenging times. Celebrate their wins too!
4. Express gratitude
Being able to achieve any big success is NOT a one-man show. Don’t forget the people involved. To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together. Lift them with you.
Send them a little gift or card. Regardless, you’re just a text or phone call away to make their day.
5. Get creative
Paint, draw, carve, bake, pottery, knitting, crochet… Or do something that you have never done! Maybe go for a yoga or dance class. Creativity is the key!
6. Take a vacation
If you have more time of course. And to each its own, you may want it chill or adventurous.
Take it chill: book a cabin for a week near a forest or mountain. Take it slow there.
Make it adventurous: Backpacking or a road trip.
(just some city views during my 4 hours walk around Timisoara city center after the exams)
7. Go for a hike or a long walk
Nature is always good for the mind and soul. Heard of forest bathing? Use your senses, maybe even take out your shoes (when possible of course) and feel the earth beneath your feet. Or just feel the trees and leaves on your finger tips. For the very least, walking in a park works too! You’ll thank yourself for it.
Nonetheless, if you only have access in the city, a nice long walk around the city works too. At least you’re not indoors and working on your desk.
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