Oprah Winfrey said that, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” We like the way that sounds, but it doesn’t always come that easy. More commonly, people work their way through the day doing the opposite. The purpose of this how-to post is to remind us that even the miracle of our existence is worthy of a celebration every day.

Melissa Hendershot is naturally extremely passionate when it comes to life. Her smile radiates happiness from ear to ear. She said, “I’ve been kindly accused of being ‘too much’ when it comes to – well, everything!” She shares her enthusiasm for life through her career as a professional dancer and performer.

Melissa believes that, “Life isn’t just about celebrating the once in a lifetime, monumental moments! It’s also about the big and small moments that make up every day, then week, then month, then year – LIFE!” She has shared with us the following very simple steps towards celebrating every day:

• Be present

I know this may sound cliche in this day and age, but I couldn’t feel more strongly about it! Sadly, I have past experiences where I wasn’t present in every moment, and at times still kick myself for it! Well, lesson learned! Never again! One thing that helps me stay present in a world where I constantly feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions at once, is that I always have my phone on “do not disturb”. That way, I can look at my phone and what may need my attention next when I’m ready, instead of constantly being distracted by rings, chimes, and tweets.

• Have an attitude of gratitude

We’ve all heard this saying before, right? Well, how do you actually apply it? By being present, duh! There is always, always, always something to be grateful for! As you focus on being present and your personal moments of gratitude, “comparison is the thief of joy” will no longer apply to you and a grateful heart of “community over competition” will take place!

• Celebrate

The definition of celebrate is: acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. Clearly, it’s not possible to celebrate everything worth celebrating with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. However, let’s look at the first word of the definition – acknowledge. Be present and acknowledge your big and small moments worth being grateful for and go about your day celebrating!

Melissa’s overall happiness is inspirational, although even she admits that she can relate when people don’t always feel like celebrating. Her sweet mom was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer for a second time one year ago and is battling for her life.

She said that, “There’s no way around the fact that it’s one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I have to stop and remember that every season of my life is somehow serving me.” As she cares for her mom, she remembers to be present and develop an attitude of gratitude. Even in times of trial and heartache, her perspective on life reminds her of the importance of acknowledging the big and small blessings. In turn Melissa said that, “Beams of celebratory light are shining through this dark trial.”

Follow @melissahendershot on Instagram for continued inspiration on celebrating every day.