Celebrate the Victories!

I spend a great amount of time talking about the challenges of raising teenagers and an elementary school age child. It's tough and at times, emotionally draining. Not this time. Today I celebrate the victories and the rewards that make the difficult times fade...if only for an evening.

I was told years ago that I must celebrate every victory that my kids experience. Whether it's my little one using his manners, or my teenagers apologizing for some wrong-doing, I celebrate. I don't have to wait until they become adults to reap the rewards of the hard work I endure while raising them. I took my therapist's advise and celebrate each and every victory. The way I see it is that if I wait, I can become resentful and may feel that I'm not fulfilling my role as a mother. In short, I may feel like a mother who has failed. That's not a good feeling. So I celebrate.

My celebration is not meant for boasting nor gloating. It's just meant to acknowledge that we've done well....today! It's a proud family moment. My son did not win President of his Student Council. However, he won Vice President of Gonzaga's Onyx Club. That's major! He also placed 3rd in the Martin & Patrick O'Donoghue Oratorical contest at his school. I guess Toastmaster's Club paid off! My 6 year old did not turn a clip for talking in class (he's a big talker) and also scored the only goal to win the soccer game. My husband is one of his coaches and had a proud daddy moment!  My daughter won Vice President of her Sophomore class. In addition, she received an award for Outstanding student in Ballet I, Achievement in the classroom and contributions to the Community award and Academic Achievement ~ magna cum laude for three consecutive quarters. Victories abound, so I celebrate!

Tomorrow is another day. My older son may not do homework, my 6 year old son may turn another clip for talking in class and my daughter may 'give an attitude' to unload the dishwasher. That's life. You have to 'roll with the punches' and when victory comes around, don't let it pass you by. Celebrate! Be encouraged, be patient, be balanced and embrace your journey!