Americans love to celebrate. If it's a birthday or anniversary, we're donning our party hat. Heck, if there's any historical context worth cheering even if it has no personal significance to us (read: Cinco de Mayo), our glasses are raised. We're just party animals, aren't we?

Recently, I attended a networking function for a group I've never mingled with before and I was surprised though pleasantly taken aback by one of their first orders of business. Everyone went around the room, introduced themselves and shared something from the past month that they had achieved worth celebrating. For some, it was newly launched web sites. For others, first tip-toe steps into the land of entrepreneurship. Others celebrated babies-to-be and personal milestones.

I'm so used to the traditional networking meeting of robotic business card exchanges and 30 second commercials, that this was a refreshing alternative that encouraged genuine camaraderies and potential learning from one another. It also got me to thinking (oh no, not that again) --- how often do other women take the time to step back and celebrate what they've achieved right now, in the moment? We're so busy getting to that next step, that next goal, that I wonder if we really allow ourselves to celebrate the moment. It's okay to do this...but do we?

I must admit that I'm sometimes guilty of rolling through to the next step without looking back to examine what I just accomplished. But isn't that how we learn --- taking the time to acknowledge what we did right (so we remember to do it again!) and figuring out where maybe we could refine our process when we tackle the next task? And yes, we can even allow ourselves a little pride in what we've achieved! It's not immodest or unreasonable. Who doesn't feed off positive energy and accomplishment?

So look back at the past week or the past month and think about it. What should you take the time to celebrate before you move on? I'll get the ball rolling. I'm celebrating making many new connections over the past few weeks that could lead to possible revenue-generating opportunities in the future and making time to show my support in different ways for a handful of non-profit organizations that hold special meaning to me.

What are you celebrating?