Celebrating The Milestones
Ah, remember being in school when you were little and after every school year there was this feeling of accomplishment and freedom? What happened to that feeling? Can we get it back at other significant moments in our lives? It’s worth a shot. Pat yourself on the back. So you did something great! Yay! You got the degree, the job, the house. Or maybe you made your last car payment or ran a marathon. Congrats! You’ve earned a treat.
Celebrate your wins, big or small. Whether it's buying yourself a little gift, taking a day off to relax, or sharing your success with friends over a meal, acknowledging your achievements is essential for your mental well-being. These moments of self-recognition can reignite that childhood sense of accomplishment and freedom.
Don’t expect everyone to be impressed. It’s not you, it’s them. Literally it’s them. Others are going through their own victories and defeats, and it can be hard to poke their head out and notice everyone. If you are feeling neglected, like maybe your loved ones aren’t acknowledging your accomplishments, it’s okay to give them a gentle reminder. The best way to do it? Throw a party. The worst way? Yelling, “Pay attention to me!”
Remember, the recognition from others is a bonus, not a necessity. Let praise be a motivator and an ego boost, but not nourishment. Praise is great! But it’s not everything. Sometimes it can feel like we get a million high-fives for an everyday task, when the most grinding accomplishments warrant little attention. It’s frustrating, but that’s just the way of the world. If you’ve just kicked butt at something and you feel like you are hearing crickets chirp when you tell the world, try to brush it off and let your own pride be enough.
When you get the praise, be gracious and graceful (BUT TAKE THE COMPLIMENT!). It’s a tough line to walk between “Thank you so much for the compliment” and “I know, I’m awesome, you don’t need to tell me.” If a friend goes out of their way to acknowledge your accomplishments, make sure you’ve noticed how perceptive they are and return the favor. Remember, being gracious and humble while accepting compliments not only boosts your own confidence but also strengthens your relationships.
In the end, your achievements are for you. They are the milestones of your journey, the evidence of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Celebrate them, cherish them, and let them remind you of what you're capable of. Your journey is unique, and so are your victories. Keep striving, keep achieving, and most importantly, keep celebrating every step of the way.
