The party hats were properly placed on the table. The bouquet of balloons indicated a celebration. The bright youthful colors welcomed the thought of a birthday celebration.

Sitting next to this festive table at a local restaurant, I waited with anticipation for the honored guest to arrive [so were those who sat around this special table].

Finally, a tenderly, classy, slender woman walked in with a slow skip to her step and a smile that lit up the room. Arriving to the festive table, she happily announced, “It’s my birthday!” Those around clapped joining the celebratory milestone while she proudly placed her “Happy Birthday” crown on her snow-white hair.

I could not help but turn to her and ask, “How many years are you celebrating?” With a warm smile and excitement in her voice she exclaimed, “I’m 90 years old!” What a wow moment!

While the table spent time in her presence celebrating the occasion, my mind wondered as to the secret of her positive attitude and longevity.

Before leaving the restaurant, I boldly approached and asked for her name and hoped she revealed her secret. After a beautiful conversation with June Lia, she shared a list of activities that has kept her young all of these years. Her response was simple: Keep yourself busy, give to others and keep smiling. What an amazing, beautiful lady.

Years creep up and time passes by and before we know it, we are celebrating another milestone. How am I: Growing personally? Celebrating life? Becoming a better person with each passing year/month/week/day? Sharing the blessings and resources at my disposal to brighten other’s lives? Living toward my full potential? Taking advantage of life’s opportunities to live a more enriched life? In the half century I have been privileged to live, I have observed ways to celebrate LIFE:

L – Live in the moment. I have read and heard many times, “yesterday is the past you cannot get it back, tomorrow is the future not yet guaranteed, but today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.” The result of today is what I learned from my past and thus will determine my outlook for tomorrow. Today is the most important time in history for all of us. Learning to enjoy the present may come in a variety of ways such as placing the cell phone on silent while in the company of family or friends, developing an attitude of gratitude, going on more adventures, or any other action that has been on your to-do list.

I – Immerse yourself in activities that add value to your life and to those around you. Begin an exercise program for better health, adapt positive habits that bring about a thriving life, read more books to expand one’s knowledge, volunteer in your community. Discover your strengths and use them to grow and add value to who you are and who you want to become.

F – Fill your life with laughter and positivity. Proverbs 17:22 reads, “Being cheerful keeps you healthy” (Good News Translation). Search and discover the many studies conducted that reveal the health benefits of laughter, smiling and attaining a positive attitude. Smiles and giggles are not only for babies. Adults need these as well. Your body will have a boost in the immune system, stress and depression is reduced, and an overall positive outlook on life are some of the benefits from continuous chuckles. There are many reasons to smile and laugh!

E – Enjoy and celebrate the small victories. Set goals and pursue them with passion and persistence. Strive daily to achieve those goals and live each day with purpose. Celebrate your accomplishments as you develop emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Somedays it is ok to throw yourself a party! I will do just that when my birthday arrives at the end of this month.

Before leaving the restaurant, I remembered a workshop I presented at a conference titled “The Palm Tree Principles for Success.” I quickly shared with June Lia the following comment, “You remind me of a palm tree from my island. The older the tree the sweeter the fruit. It constantly gives of itself sharing of its resources. You are a beautiful palm tree.”

She smiled and thanked me. We hugged not knowing if we would ever cross paths again. However, the impression she made on me that evening I took as a “party favor” for the remainder of my LIFE.

Diana Jaworski, F.O.C.U.S. Coaching Services, is a certified coach, teacher, trainer and speaker with Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. Learn more about personal growth by visiting her website at www.dianajaworski.com.