In our bustling lives, it's easy to overlook the small victories that we achieve daily. This tendency becomes more pronounced as we age, often dismissing simple tasks we accomplish as trivial. However, recognizing these achievements can significantly enhance our appreciation for life and improve our overall well-being.
During a family dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Seattle, a moment between my niece and her mother poignantly illustrated how even the most mundane accomplishments can be a source of pride. My young niece congratulated her mother for a basic human function, reminding everyone at the table of the pure and appreciative perspective children hold. This incident sparked a reflection on how often adults undervalue their daily successes.
I encourage you to adopt a new daily practice: take a moment each day to acknowledge and celebrate an accomplishment you usually take for granted. This could be anything from completing a workout, making a healthy meal, or even finishing a book.
Engaging in this practice can have transformative effects on your life. It can lead to greater appreciation of oneself and others, and foster a more supportive and positive environment. As noted by Psychology Today, recognizing personal achievements can lead to better mental health and stronger relationships.
By starting to appreciate our own achievements, no matter how small, we set the stage to appreciate others more genuinely. This creates a ripple effect, enhancing not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. Let's not underestimate the power of celebrating everyday triumphs.
Knowing What You Want: Unveiling the Path to Personal Clarity and Achievement
In the journey of life, particularly during its middle phase, many individuals find themselves grappling with a seemingly simple yet profound question: "Do I truly know what I want?" Surprisingly, for a vast majority, the answer is no. This uncertainty can stem from various psychological and societal factors that cloud personal desires with doubt and fear.
Reflections at the End of My First Half-Century
As my 50th birthday quickly approaches, I've been drawn to the question, what is midlife? Does it mean middle-age? I certainly don't use it that way. I recently read a survey that was taken of 50 to 59 year olds. They were asked at what age does middle-age begin? They were also asked at what age does old age begin? The average answers: 48 years and 72 years, respectively.
Transitions and New Beginnings
How are you dealing with the transitions in your life? The definition of transition is the act of passing from one state or place to the next. [A synonym is passage.] We often view transitions as changes and we all know how much we avoid change! Beginnings on the other hand suggest a wide open future full of possibility. The definition of beginning is the act of doing that which begins anything; commencement of an action, state, or space of time; entrance into being or upon a course; the first act, effort, or state of the secession of acts or states. Beginnings seem to be less hampered by change and the human mind's avoidance of change.
