NATIONAL DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY

NATIONAL DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY - February 11

NATIONAL DON'T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day on February 11th promotes a positive attitude even when things might not be going your way. We're asking you to use this National Day for looking on the bright side of things and then carrying that feeling with you every day after. Try not to worry or stress over the little things. Life is too short to let the little things bother us.  

#DontCryOverSpilledMilkDay

We’ve all been there—that 'slow-motion' moment where the glass tips and the mess begins. While we’ve been saying 'don't cry over spilled milk' for generations, the sentiment actually dates back to 1659, when James Howell noted we shouldn't be 'weeping for shed milk.' The phrasing has smoothed out over the centuries, but the life lesson remains the same: you can’t un-spill the milk, so why waste the tears? It’s the ultimate 17th-century reminder to grab a towel, clean it up, and move on.

Everyone knows that unexpected or unplanned things happen in life, sometimes daily. With a positive attitude, life is much brighter and easier. So, if you if you hit a red light or drop your toast today, take a deep breath and tell yourself 'It's just spilled milk.' Use the time you spend cleaning up to think of one thing you're grateful for instead!

6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE DON'T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY

  1. Don't cry over spilled milk...or anything for that matter. Unless something terrible happened, then by all means, cry, scream, or yell. 
  2. Be prepared! Sometimes the things that happen do so because we didn't study, prepare or organize our day. While not every detail needs to be planned, the general stuff of the day does. 
  3. No matter who we are or what we do, things happen. Kids get sick. Customers make special requests. A car pulls out in front of you. The server brings the wrong dish. You take a wrong turn. It will only be a blip on your day if you adjust and move on. Expecting the unexpected may happen can make any situation a little lighter.
  4. Have a backup plan. These come in especially handy for big occasions. We're talking about surprise parties or a wedding. In the end, what's really important about special occasions are the good memories we make. If a little milk should fall or spill while everyone laughs, dances and smiles, it really won't matter. 
  5. Breathe and ask yourself 'Will this issue matter in a day?' If the answer is no, then it's just a little spilled milk. How about a week? Still a no? It's still just spilled milk. If the concern doesn't change the entire course of your life, it's only spilled milk.
  6. Share how you cope with life's twists and turns on social media using the hashtag Use #DontCryOverSpilledMilkDay. Tips and tricks may be helpful, too. 

DON'T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY HISTORY

While National Day Calendar has not found the origins of this uplifting day, we're not going to cry over spilled milk. We're going to pursue other avenues and probably spill a little milk along the way. 

Spilled Milk FAQ

Q. Is it spilled or spilt?
A. Both are appropriate. While spilled is more common today, spilt has the same meaning as spilled. However, spilt does creep into our usage more when using the idiom "Don't cry over spilt/spilled milk."

Q. Are there phrases similar to the "Don't cry over spilled milk" idiom?
A. Some similar sayings are:

  • It is what it is.
  • What's done is done.
  • Let bygones be bygones.
  • It's all water under the bridge.