Progress deserves a Party!

Celebrate your progress.  

You may not be where you desire; however, stop and smell the flowers that have bloomed from the growth of yesterday.

Alism

While I was growing up, my immediate family celebrations centered primarily around birthdays and weddings.  However, meeting my wife and marrying into her family has exposed me to the joy that comes from celebrating pretty much anything. 

Because my wife is sixteen and eighteen years older than her youngest siblings respectively, we attended several of their events, i.e., numerous birthday parties at Chuck-E-Cheese, school Christmas programs, graduations, and talent shows, to name a few.  I even remember one time driving close to forty-five minutes to her little sister’s piano recital to celebrate her progress in being able to play – what seemed to me – five notes in a song.  I repeat…FIVE!  Regardless, the family celebrated her progress.

Even during the season in Chicago where she managed my office, my wife would find any reason for a celebration – birthdays, mother’s day, father’s day, promotions, and at times even a “just because” party.  If she felt the event was worthy of a celebration – big or small – celebrate is what we did.

Throughout the years and with my own children, I’ve grown to appreciate and even joined in her desire to celebrate the smallest things that oftentimes passes by unnoticed, unacknowledged, and/or under-appreciated.  Too often we are waiting to celebrate the completion of a long-term goal without taking the opportunity to recognize, highlight, and even rejoice over the small-term goals we accomplish along the way.  Taking the time to celebrate our progress offers moments of refreshing that empower us with the stamina necessary to continue moving forward while enjoying ourselves as we journey.

If you haven’t noticed, misery always seems to set its own appointments.  Therefore today, I encourage you to find any reason to celebrate – regardless of how big or small your progress may be.  Invite a few guests.  Pop the Champagne. Cut a rug.  I believe you’re due a hand clap…some hoopla…maybe even a standing ovation.

Aim High…

© 2012 Aldean Pearson

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Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Growth Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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