My adorable goddaughter is nearly eleven months old, and she
has recently begun taking her first steps. Her mother, my dear friend Robin,
has been sharing news of this exciting development on Facebook and through text
messages and phone calls. Talking on the phone with Robin as her daughter took
a step, I heard her clapping and celebrating every upright movement, counting
the number of steps as they occurred, and rejoicing in each new milestone.
“She’s taken seven steps in a row now!” Robin exclaimed with pure joy and
enthusiasm. Her love for her daughter and pride in this new accomplishment were
evident.
What a wonderful model for all of us! Rather than reserve
our enthusiasm exclusively for babies and young children, why not extend our jubilation
to older children and adults too – for everyone
who dares venture into new territory, courageously, one step at a time?
My friend also reminds me of the importance of having a
cheering section. How much easier is it to continue moving forward, continue
taking risks, or continue practicing some new skill, when we have at least one
person who sees what we are doing and relishes in it? It is deeply meaningful to
know that there is at least one person in our lives who is rejoicing wholeheartedly
when we achieve an important milestone, someone who notices and applauds each
tiny step along the way.
Not only can we be that cheerleader for others, we can also
give this gift to ourselves. If other people fail to notice or applaud our
small movements forward, we can still give ourselves a pat on the back, cheer
out loud, do a “happy dance” to celebrate, and cheer ourselves on in whatever
way feels good. Why not? As adults,
we can become far too serious and task-minded, waiting to hit large milestones
before giving ourselves any credit, and missing out on prime opportunities to
exclaim with glee, “I’ve just taken four steps in a row!” We DO have the power
to change this. We CAN celebrate each moment and each small step forward. I
invite you to begin this practice for yourself – and to become an enthusiastic
supporter of the other adults in your life as well.
What small step can you celebrate today?
