Celebrating Milestone Moments: A Reflection on Growth, Love, and Success
Life is full of milestones—big and small—that mark our journey. Some are our own, like career achievements, birthdays, or personal breakthroughs. Others belong to those we love, yet they carry deep significance for us as well. This week, I am celebrating a milestone that belongs to my son: his university graduation. He has worked hard to earn his degree, and I am incredibly proud of the man he is becoming. But as I take in this moment, I realise that this is also a milestone for me. His graduation is not just a reflection of his effort but of mine, too.
For years, I poured my heart and energy into his education, his passions, and his dreams. As a single parent, I took on the roles of provider, cheerleader, and guide. There were late nights spent reviewing assignments, careful financial decisions to ensure he had the resources he needed, and constant support to help him build confidence in his abilities. And now, as he steps forward into his own future, I see the culmination of all those years of dedication. This isn’t just his success—it’s mine too.
Secondary Success: A Term for What We Feel?
I’ve been wondering if there’s a name for this feeling. We often celebrate our own accomplishments, but what about the victories that stem from our love and effort in supporting others? Perhaps we could call it secondary success—the deep satisfaction and pride that come from seeing those we’ve nurtured step into their own power.
Women, especially those of us over fifty, know this feeling well. We invest so much of ourselves into others—our children, our partners, our communities, and our workplaces. Our impact is often indirect but profound. We build, we support, we guide—and when those we’ve lifted achieve something meaningful, we deserve to acknowledge the role we played.
Why This Milestone Matters for Me
My son’s graduation is more than a proud parent moment; it’s a personal turning point. It marks the transition from years of active, hands-on parenting to a new chapter—one where he carves his own path, and I have the opportunity to reflect on my own. It’s an invitation to recognise my strength, my resilience, and the love that fueled every step of this journey.
For those of us who have spent decades supporting others, these milestone moments remind us of what we are capable of. They challenge us to shift our focus inward and ask: What have I achieved? What do I want next? How do I honour myself in this moment?
Honouring the Journey—Yours and Theirs
If you find yourself at a milestone moment—whether it’s a child graduating, a retirement, a career shift, or a personal achievement—take time to truly celebrate. Here are a few ways to honour the journey:
Acknowledge Your Role – Reflect on the energy, love, and sacrifice that brought you here. It’s okay to say, I did this, too.
Celebrate Yourself – Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection, a gathering with loved ones, or a personal reward, make space for your own recognition.
Use the Moment to Reimagine Your Future – What’s next for you? What dreams have been waiting in the wings?
Share Your Story – Your experience can inspire others who are navigating similar transitions.
A New Chapter Begins
As my son walks across that stage to receive his degree, he is stepping into his future. And in my own way, so am I. His success is a beautiful reflection of his hard work, but also of mine. And that is something worth celebrating.
To all the women who have given so much of themselves—whether to children, careers, or communities—know this: your impact matters. Your secondary success is real, and it is something to be proud of. So when life hands you a milestone moment, embrace it fully. You’ve earned it.