Milestones vs. Mile Markers

February marks a month of milestones in our home. My husband and I celebrate birthdays in February and share a wedding anniversary within the same week. And although this isn't a milestone year for either of us, each date is recognized with deep-rooted significance within our small family. 

When we're young, but even more so after we pass a certain age, every birthday (and wedding anniversary) is an accomplishment. Isn't every birthday after 90 a celebration in and of itself? So why do we put so much emphasis on reaching the next decade? For example, my husband and I have been married for eight years, but eight years isn't 10, 15, or 30, so it's not regarded with the same significance. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to milestones, we often let society determine which ones are worth celebrating. Whether it's a "0" year birthday or not, your first home purchase or your last, a new baby or a new dog (or cat), shouldn't we be the ones to decide which events mark the most meaning in our lives? 

Instead of emphasizing reaching milestones in life, let's acknowledge and celebrate the mile markers along the way. For example, if a milestone is starting or finishing a four-year university degree, a mile marker could be the completion of each year or semester. Mile markers in life are similar to how we mark progress and development during pregnancy and early childhood—counting weeks and months before there are years. And wouldn't that be a novel approach to measuring and appreciating the rest of our lives?