Your Daily Focus: Congratulations
The greatest gift you can give any other person is increased self-esteem. The best starting point is to give it to yourself first.
My son James asked to contribute the Daily Focus this morning. As I read it I felt a stronger and stronger intensity of feeling of appreciation for my life, for others lives, and for all that is around me. I suggest you read every word, slowly, and even consider reading it out loud… no shortcuts. It has an amazing impact, simple yet profound. Here it is (thanks James):
You’ve accomplished a lot of amazing things – it’s time you congratulate yourself and give yourself a pat on the back.
Congratulations on waking up at 6 to walk your new puppy
Congratulations on visiting Mom
Congratulations on being at your daughter’s softball game
Congratulations on preparing that delicious chicken dinner
Congratulations on being such a caring spouse
Congratulations on exercising today
Congratulations on drinking water instead of soda
Congratulations on peeling a banana and having none of those little strings left behind
Congratulations on brushing your teeth
Congratulations on buying a stranger lunch
Congratulations on singing in the shower
Congratulations on finishing a work project
Congratulations on planting those gorgeous flowers
Congratulations on bringing life into your home
Congratulations on giving your son the perfect advice at just the right time
Congratulations on loving your children with all your heart
Congratulations on donating your favorite couch to charity
Congratulations on making your bed
Congratulations on giving an offering at church
Congratulations on raising such beautiful children
Congratulations on vacuuming the entire basement and living room
Congratulations on not turning on the news just before you go to bed
Congratulations on picking your son up from school on time at 3 o’clock sharp
Congratulations on coaching your daughter’s soccer team to a 2nd place tournament finish
Congratulations on painting the bedroom yellow
Congratulations on doing the dishes
Congratulations on paying every bill ahead of schedule this month
Congratulations on learning to play the piano
Congratulations on picking up your dog’s “little presents” from someone else’s yard
Congratulations on planning an awesome family vacation
Congratulations on getting a promotion at work
Congratulations on spontaneously running outside at 2 in the morning, frantically skipping and frolicking through the yard
Congratulations on listening to your promptings
Congratulations on taking a 10-minute nap
Congratulations on doing the laundry and providing yourself and others the luxury of clean clothes to wear
Congratulations on picking your best friend up from the airport
Congratulations on starting that book you’ve wanted to read for the last 2 months
Congratulations on taking a bike ride through the park
Congratulations on taking someone you love out to ice cream
Congratulations on being you, loving yourself, and realizing just how amazing you truly are!
I soooooooo agree with you.
You can’t hear or say it often enough to believe in your own amazing value.
Eve
Raymond
July 11,2011 at 5:36 pm.
I thank you so much for all that this Post signifies-That is in all circumstances we should show
some kind of appreciation to people and to one’s self.
Thanks.
Appreciation is everywhere…well said James!
Kevin
P.S. Congratulations on a great Daily Focus! I am confident your Dad is very proud of you.
P.P.S. Rick, Congratulations on having such an amazing son!
James seems wise beyond his years.
His congratulations on all he has accomplished got me thinking about what I would like to congratulate myself on as well. Thanks for helping me reflect on all the things I have done, rather than on all the things I need to do. Since being diagnosed with cancer in December 2010, I no longer think of it as a “To Do” list…I think of it as my “Get To Do” list. How one word can be so powerful in changing a chore into a blessing. Congratulations to me on GETTING to do so much! And tomorrow, I GET to have my last chemo (number 16)!
Kim, this is pure genius. I am stealing and using it starting right now… my “Get To Do” list! -Rick
Kim,
I am swiping this too!!! Whoa!!!
My “Get to Do List” so far is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin
P.S. Rick, thanks for putting together such an incredible group of individuals that share such amazing perspectives. I get to learn and share with others here, what a great thing to have on my “Get to Do List!”
Ok! where oh where do I begin today? First off due to a little web site changing, I ‘lost’ my connection to ETM for a few days, and I congratulate myself for figuring out how to get back.
James, super super cool post. Again, I am so thankful that people are getting the opportunity at a younger age to embace the power of positiveness without having to unlearn lesser habits. James and Dr. Rick, you are both blessed.
Kim, you knocked my socks off with your ‘get to do list’ You are so incredibly lucky for your perspective. Thanks for sharing it with me. Just think of what an impact you have made that is going to be rippling away! Congrats to your healing treatment. Heartfelt healing energy to you
Kelly
Kim
I love it!!! Congratulations on your inspiring strength and courage. Congratulations on your last Chemo – you are amazing!! Thanks for inspiring all of us!
Diane
Kim, thank you so much for sharing. You are an inspiration to us all.
I’m so grateful to have heard your story and congratulations on finding the absolute genius within yourself! And to think, all it took was one word! Simply amazing!
Wow, am I glad I looked at these messages before heading out the door for my LAST chemo today! What a wonderful way to start the morning, reading these messages from other people with “PMA” …positive mental attitudes. And I wholeheartedly agree with Kevin, when he says thanks to Rick for putting together the people here who share their amazing perspectives. And James, thanks for getting us all thinking what we should be grateful for, and congratulate ourselves on, with your post. Happy Tuesday everyone!
Love it, its amazing how much we can take for granted. Everything and everyone is a celebration!!
Wow, this is amazing. I had somehow missed this and can not tell you how much it impacted me on so many levels. Gratitude….. the GET TO DO…..
hey guys, I get a pretty amazing gift, this is my brother and his son James.