Time to celebrate
By
I went to a book reading last week where Catherine O’Flynn, a local author, was talking about her book “What was lost”. A sad and funny novel, it features several characters who have lost people and things. This article was inspired by a song that came to me whilst out walking the dog in surprising circumstances. Right click on the link below to open the Youtube video in a new window:
Celebrate Good Times by Kool and the Gang
Eight years ago, I broke 9 ribs and my shoulder blade in a horse-riding accident and my back will never be the same. Last week, it flared up again and I immediately felt frustrated, focussing on what I couldn’t do. However, I was able to take my dog for a short walk in the sunshine and as we walked across the fields, this song came to me from nowhere.
“Let’s celebrate, it’s all right”
Immediately, I felt grateful for still being able to walk the dog and I had a spring in my step. I focussed on what I had instead of what I have lost. I chose to stand in a different perspective… the perspective of celebration.
What can you celebrate today?
One of the things I notice about working for a large corporation is that we often focus on improving things – be it personal development, transforming the business, increasing sales, reducing cost. When the targets are met, we get “thank you and we must do more”. It can become exhausting.
It’s easy to overlook what we have – our health, our jobs, our colleagues, our family and friends. We often take the most important things for granted and most of us diminish our own achievements.
When my coaching clients succeed at something, I ask them how they are going to celebrate. The first time I ask this, most of them are surprised. It’s not something they normally do.
“Celebrate good times, Come on!”
There are so many different ways to celebrate. The important thing is to do something for yourself that is a pleasure, not a chore. Some examples are cook a meal for friends or a loved one, do a cartwheel, have a relaxing bath with candles, go for a walk, tell someone you love them, sing, dance, listen to your favourite music, buy some new shoes, go out for a meal…. There are so many ways to celebrate and so many reasons to do it.
What are you going to celebrate this week and how will you do it?
What difference does that make to you and those around you?
Enjoy your week of celebration 
With love,
Jude. x
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