Life’s milestone anniversaries are significant. They serve as a reminder of significant occasions, both culturally and personally. An anniversary places a pin on the calendar to remind us of something that matters to us, whether we are commemorating a birthday, a wedding or civil partnership, a momentous event, or the death of a loved one. It provides an opportunity to consider a relationship or cultural identity, to come together to remember a deceased loved one, or to rejoice in a happy occasion. Whatever the anniversary, it provides an opportunity for us to consider how the event has shaped us as a result of the years that have passed since it occurred. Understanding who we are can sometimes depend heavily on our ability to recall the past. Many times, anniversaries bring on a range of emotions. For instance, there may be pressure to do something extraordinary to commemorate a wedding anniversary. However, it can be a great way to refocus your relationship. One way to remember why you fell in love in the first place is to do something as easy as eating dinner together and reflecting on the day you met, got engaged, got married, or celebrated your union. In a relationship, it’s crucial to set aside time for one another, but it’s inevitable that life will occasionally get in the way. Life conspires against us with work, chores, and running the kids to and from school; all too frequently, our relationship suffers as a result. A good reason to reflect on your relationship and perhaps make some resolutions for the coming year is an anniversary. Of course, it’s wonderful to celebrate the big day with flowers, fireworks, parties, and gifts, but don’t forget to honor the things that are important to you on other days as well.
