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Welcome to my blog about my journey through this book and it's challenges. It's a simple exercise, but it's good for me. I hope you enjoy the blips and slips and funny moments. You may even learn a thing or two too!



Sunday, May 1, 2011

Week 18--Share Your Success--Sunday Evening

Share Your Success.  "It seems common to share all of life's disappointments large and small, 'cause life's like that, yet it seems less socially acceptable to share our successes.  There must be a way to share and celebrate tiny (no cavities!) and large (Nobel prize?)successes with friends and family, without having it be an egomaniacal event.  Use your successes as opportunities to give credit and share the glory with your whole support team, from your dog to your best friend, along with all your sometimes annoying but supportive family members in-between."

Upon first reading this upcoming week's directive, I honestly thought, "this will be hard."  How sad is that?  If you asked me what I needed to improve upon, I would easily be able to rattle off several areas of shortage.  So why is it tough to make a mental list of successes? accomplishments? talents? skills?

This book was written several years ago, likely before the era of reality TV and self-made stars who are celebrated simply because they are wealthy socialite children, or they've shared intimate videos with the world, or they make fools of themselves in front of millions with poorly chosen behaviors.   I disagree with the author that people don't celebrate success in today's culture because it's less socially acceptable. 

It appears to me today's society encourages people to pat themselves on the back without doing much, or behaving well to have earned it.  I'm not saying it's negative to be confident, proactive, tenacious or fearless.  I'm only suggesting that what we see and hear about in our culture appears to praise and reward those who demonstrate often senseless, and tactless behavior--at least from what evening TV clips provide.

What about celebrating success on a daily basis for:  maintaining a healthy body weight?  Not undergoing plastic surgery to enhance or reduce a body part?  Eating what you want simply because it tastes good and was carefully prepared by a food artist?  Being a size 12 and being comfortable?  Laughing?  snorting?  creating?  making an effort?  being kind ?  helping someone out simply because they need it and not because it will bring you attention?  walking?  riding your bike?  spending time with a neighbor who needs you to listen?  listening and not offering your opinion?  enjoying the quiet moments?  laughing your heart out, joyfully? 

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