Celebrate Everything!

Celebrate everything - the "victories" and the "defeats." That's a recurrent theme in my personal life as well in my work with clients. Victories, large or small are obvious reasons to celebrate. Defeats or failures are just as important to celebrate, maybe more so. Yes, my clients are taken aback the first time I say "Wonderful!" in response to a report of a "failure." After a short discussion of the value of every experience, especially those that don't work out as planned, the puzzlement transforms into enthusiasm for the next step.

One client was so disappointed with a "failure" that I insisted we have a ritual celebration, right there on the phone call. She assembled candles, flowers, incense, a rattle, and poured a glass of wine. We danced and chanted long distance - I in Ashland, she in New York. It was great! She uncovered how much she had learned during the "failed" project and began visioning the changes she would make the next time around.

So, here's a way to have an instant celebration, anytime, anywhere. I credit my beloved great-grandson Preston, 3 3/4 years old, with introducing me to Dora the Explorer, where I picked up this fun process. Dora is a cartoon character who goes on adventures with her buddy, Boots the monkey. Whenever Dora and Boots accomplish a goal, three little characters - a tree frog, a snail and a grasshopper, run across the screen. They are playing a drum, an accordian and cymbals. The tune is a short rhythmic, da da da dah da dah! And then they disappear. That joyous celebration is so contagious! I hear it in my head a lot - for myself, for Preston, for others. Try it!

Here's a picture of Preston. His presence in my life makes me very happy! You'll need to check out the TV schedule for the Nick Jr channel to see Dora the Explorer.

Love and delight to you on this September day,
Elizabeth