What award will you give yourself?

On Sunday night, I watched the Golden Globe Awards. To be accurate, I watched them until ten and then went to bed because I almost always choose sleep over anything else. I do love award shows. I appreciate the spectacle of the Red Carpet. I love a good acceptance speech. I love it when someone wins unexpectedly, faces their peers unprepared, and speaks straight from their heart, full of a mix of disbelief and excitement.

Recognition of a job well done is essential for all of us. We don't receive nearly enough accolades in our lives. And in the spirit of 'Awards Season', I have some thoughts to share with you.

Last night, my discussion group and I started our first gathering of the year with some awards. I borrowed the idea from a newsletter I received from marketing specialist Dr. Michelle Mazur. She wrote:

"As you look back at your lessons, the risks you took, the failures and what you learned from them, what is the award you’d give yourself? ​

The truest, most self-loving award that you think you deserve at the end of this year. What would the title of that be?”

It was heartwarming to hear each woman reflect on the past year and give herself an award. I chose to award myself with 'the flexibility and adaptation award.' January 2023 started with an unexpected change when my husband retired. It brought adjustments in a lot of areas for us. There were ongoing little changes that came along that required me to adapt.

Many years ago, I received an award from a friend. She had a beautiful year-end custom of selecting one person from the previous year who greatly impacted her life. She gave me the "Mr. Darcy Award". It was for loving her just as she was. Bridget Jones fans will understand. It meant so much to me, and I still smile when I think about it.

Awards are a way of recognizing an achievement in our work or lives. You don't have to wait for someone to give you an award. You can give yourself one.

Life can be challenging, messy and complicated. We go into each year hoping to resolve difficult situations or at least find the resources we need to be the best we can be in our circumstances.

The end of the year allows us to pause and look back over the previous twelve months. Taking some time to celebrate what we did well is deeply encouraging. It is recognizing that we are growing and learning.

Take a few minutes to answer the question above. I would love to hear what award you would give yourself. And, if you want to make someone's day, thank them for their impact on your life. Give them an award to let them know they made a difference.