How do you celebrate?

Anything can be celebrated.

 

A good grade on a test.

 

An improved grade on a test.

 

A winning goal!

 

Amazing effort on the field

 

A promotion

 

A clean bill of health at the doctors.

 

Scans showing no new cancer growth.

 

 

I have always been a glass half full kind of person. I truly believe there is a good in 95% of all situations.  Let’s celebrate the good!  Even if it’s just recognizing the good, recognizing can be a form of celebrating.  I recently interviewed and received a promotion at work.  I am proud of myself!  I had been working hard at my current role but had only been in it for 2 years.  When this role came open, I applied for it.  I applied for the fact that I always want to grow and improve.  I applied to put my money where my mouth it.  You can’t say you want to grow and improve, but not take action when something comes up.  No one will take you seriously if you don’t take action when something you have said to others is in front of you and you don’t raise your hand to be considered.  I knew a few that applied for the role, and they were all strong candidates that had been in the role longer that I had.  But, I went into the interview as a growth opportunity.  I could either get the job or learn what skills I need to improve or additional experience I need for the next time.  Feedback is so helpful and necessary in situations like this.  If you are able to get feedback on why you were selected or why you weren’t that is invaluable information.  A great mentor and manager will share this information with you.  If you are internal, this is usually easier to obtain.  But always ask even if you are an external candidate.  You may be surprised by what you hear.

 

When something good happens is so nice to share.  Share with your friends and family, on social media if you can.  I have found that people truly love happy news.  There is so many negative things in the world that we all need a smile once in a while.  You never know when sharing a good thing can inspire or lift someone else up. 

 

In our house we like to celebrate.  Usually, it's going out to dinner or the kids getting to pick the dinner at home.  It can be a hug, picture or report card on the fridge.  All of these things show that you care, and you are happy for someone.  I love sending cards. If a friend got a new job, send a card!  It’s a simple thing but means the world that someone is thinking of you.

 

Recently, I celebrated my new promotion by a new purse!  I have been wanting a new one for a while.  There was nothing wrong with mine, but it was old, and I wanted something new.  So, I did it! 

 

Use your celebrations to treat yourself.  Take yourself out to dinner, get a massage, a pedicure, a new outfit or even a cup of coffee that you may not normal “splurge” on.  Do it. 

 

Give yourself permission to celebrate the wins in life.   Show your kids that its good and healthy to be proud of themselves when they work hard.  We took the kids out to a “fancy” dinner for my promotion.  It’s one of my favorite restaurants but one that we usually get a babysitter for.  The kids were so excited to go with us and they knew we were celebrating!  Being a good example of working hard and enjoying what comes from the hard work is something I strive to show my kids.  I hope they see it.

 

How have you celebrated recently?