According to philosopher and scholar Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, “People of our time are losing the power of celebration. Instead of celebrating, we seek to be amused or entertained. To be entertained is a passive state–it is to receive pleasure afforded by an amusing act or a spectacle….But celebration is an active state, an act of expressing reverence or giving appreciation. Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of
one’s actions.”
As we see it, there is power in CELEBRATION because it is other-focused… it is about elevating others, which strengthens relationships and community. And that is what drives happiness. That’s not just an opinion. According to the United Nation’s 2012 World Happiness Report, “the number one predictor of happiness is the quality time spent with the people we care about and who care about us. In other words, relationships.” They add that cooperation and community contribute more to happiness in wealthy societies than income or any other metrics. We agree.
At Mylestones, we think each of us has a responsibility to support, encourage and celebrate the people closest to us — those in our community or inner circle. They are the ones we care about and who care in return. One way to do that is by collectively acknowledging, sharing and praising peak moments in one another’s lives. That is Mylestones’ why.
Mylestones provides a platform where a community can come together to elevate and celebrate the big moments in the life of a person in their inner circle. They can do that by sharing messages. A picture may paint a thousand words, but no picture speaks as clearly or impactfully as the words “You are such a blessing to me” or “I truly love you” or “We are so proud of you” or “You have made our lives better”. Whatever the words, it ultimately boils down to: “We see you. You matter. You belong. We care.”
Better than any ‘silent’ photobook or scrapbook, each Mylestones book serves to validate an individual’s value, recognize consequential work, celebrate a triumph or provide support after a tragedy. In a world where deep connections are scarce and loneliness is pushing people to seek community in antisocial corners, Mylestones’ message books deepen bonds and reinforce belonging.
At this time, shipping only available to the United States and Canada.