What are you working on right now? Trying to finish reading a book? Got a project at work that just won’t end? Learning how to manage your time and incorporate a new habit into your life?
The other day I gave a presentation for a group at our church. It was my first time to speak about the pilgrimage I went on this summer, and I spent a lot of time collecting my thoughts and preparing.
I made a slideshow of pictures to go along with my talk. I dug through my memories and picked one particularly painful one to share because it felt like it would serve this group the most.
I spent a lot of time on it.
It went well; I felt like I was really able to engage and serve my audience.
Then I got home, flipped on my phone and began speed reading through an e-book that was due the next day.
As I was reading, my mind wandered a bit. My husband had been at my presentation and as I was leaving he said he was proud of me. I found I was craving hearing those words again, so I called him and asked if we could spend a couple minutes celebrating my accomplishment together.
Of course he said yes.
So at our dining room table at dinner that evening we took a couple of minutes so I could relish in this accomplishment. I talked about how I felt it had gone well and how much I enjoyed preparing and presenting.
He celebrated with me further by affirming my hard work and reminding me that in and of itself was something to celebrate.
…
When was the last time you celebrated a small victory?
I’m realizing I don’t do it enough.
What I found when I took a moment to pause, journal and reflect on my talk—and then share that reflection with my husband—was it made the accomplishment more real. I was able to mark the moment as one of many in a long journey toward somewhere I’d like to go.
So often though I close a book and immediately start the next, so to speak.
What I found this past week was when I took a moment for celebration, even a quick one, I felt more like the thing was done, and I was more excited to take on the next.
Is there something you’ve made progress on that you’re proud of? Need someone to tell about it? I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below so I can celebrate with you!
lamplight stories 