I’m not good about giving myself credit. I’m one of those girls who – despite my intentions and deliberate thoughts – can’t accept a compliment gracefully. The voice in my head is a mean old nagging bitch that discourages and demeans, who talks down to me and discounts my accomplishments. Even the previous post celebrating my shot of the week nearly generated hives and a trip to the ER.
It’s part of why “grace” is now permanently stamped on my wrist. I’d hoped it would help, but we all grow desensitized to the good when it’s too abundant. We take the sun and a breeze for granted, we overlook the value of breath and roofs over our heads. Loved ones. Loose change in our pockets.
Today, my goal is to celebrate some recent triumphs:
- finished two books I intended to on our recent weekend away
- saved (*gasp*) for said weekend, something I’ve never done before
- wrangled my siblings into a reunion in San Francisco next month (from Texas, Alaska and Washington state)
- submitted an essay to a publication I admire
- bought a domain for my photography (to be announced)
But wait! There’s more! I’ve agreed to cancel our cable for 6 months. I will sustain myself with online content and rabbit ears. They may need to revise the bible to document this miraculous event.
What have you done for YOU lately that you didn’t give yourself adequate recognition for?
Bonus questions: Is accomplishing the tasks reward enough, or is validation needed? Why are we taught to crave validation, and how do we break the cycle?
12 Jul 10
6:05 pm
After having our office reorganized by a professional in the field, one of our items on our weekly meeting agenda is to list 10 Positive Items from the week prior, regardless of how large of small and they don’t have to be business related.
It’s been nice to see how it perks up a discussion and it gives us each some positive affirmation when those little victories are said out loud.
Personally, I have a massive guilt complex which keeps me from openly even saying “I’m doing fabulously thank you for asking” like I feel this need to really lay on the ho-hum so I’m not bragging. Yes, even if it’s a simple “How are things going?”
That said, your post is spurring me on to celebrate today’s victories, like not ordering a butter croissant at Starbucks and not eating the entire bag of Pirates Booty. And for scratching a few things off my to-do list.
Thanks Maigh!
Today, anyway.
12 Jul 10
8:48 pm
Without sounding like a “OMG, me too!” kind of gal… omg me too! And even though I recognize it, I still crave validation, especially from authority. Maybe mine is first born problems? Not sure.
When you write about all the cool things you do, plan to do, dream to do, it gets me motivated to try too.
What have I done for me lately? I scheduled a very scary uncertain meeting that wound up going very well. I didn’t get the result I wanted from it, but I did get some things out in the open, and the elephant was talked about a little.
Keep on rockin’ on, Maigh!
13 Jul 10
7:12 pm
“They may need to revise the bible to document this miraculous event.” = a simple sentence which made me chuckle and why I always find my way back to your space <3
13 Jul 10
7:13 pm
I saw Tabitha post on here first and like a jacknut said to myself, “I posted a comment already? I didn’t even read this yet. Wow, I am amazing!”
13 Jul 10
9:31 pm
Personal recognition: I recorded a song tonight, including a violin part!
Validation is lovely, but not required. Think about the last time you gave your time/gifts/talents/hugs/love to something or someone. How freaking great did that feel? Freaking great.
I’m thinking of cutting off the internet. At least TV puts me to sleep.
16 Jul 10
5:15 pm
I’ve been doing hot yoga every day for 3 weeks and finishing up the best book I’ve ever read. ever. It’s called “Being Ourself” by Ty Clement. He’s just got a knack of seeing life from such a REAL place….it’s changing my life.
) I think everyone needs a copy of this book….if they did…peace might really be a possibility. Truly.
19 Jul 10
9:44 am
You guys are awesome – and who’d have thought *two* Tabithas!?
YEAY YOU GUYS!
Ella Sara – thanks for the book recco, might just have to add that to my pile…
30 Aug 10
5:50 pm
[...] in July I blah blah blah’ed about trying some big things – there were two I didn’t [...]