Thoughts on Celebrations

I'm copying & pasting a message I wrote to someone about rituals, rites of passage, and celebration: 

I think many people are jaded by living in the outskirts of society for so long that they cannot and will not enjoy the song and dances of the normal people, even if that's all we have for the time being. I think rituals and celebration are necessary in maintaining a sense of humanity and interpersonal connection. It gives us affirmations that we exist, and that we matter. You matter. And what you've chosen to do with your life, if you consider it worthy of rights of passage, should be shared with loved ones. This lifespan is too short beyond the unknown to not celebrate our accomplishments and connections with others.