The Victory Lap
Many moons ago when I was going through a behavior modification program because I was prone to panic attacks and then subsequent phobias (bridges, freeways), I learned how important it is to recognize your victories – no matter how minor. So we kept a victory book and when I got on the freeway and was able to overcome my phobia, I took my victory lap.
The important thing about victory laps are that as you get older no one is really standing around saying how proud they are of you. Really. I mean the other day Tatjana said she recognized that she might be considered ambitious compared to others she knew – this came from the fact that she has completed her fourth book and is now thinking of her next project. Despite the fact that she seems to be lounging 75% of the time, she does jam. But who is sitting around saying, hey Tatjana – four books, wow!, hey Tatjana, you are about to become a full professor, cool (she’s a tenured associate now), or hey Tatjana you have been director of undergraduate study for four years and done a marvelous job. No one is standing there to say this – so here’s a shout out to my partner who maintains a steady pace despite appearances to the contrary.
Similarly, not many are standing ready to hand out the accolades to my accomplishments either. Okay, I successfully carved up the LaLa to make it a place that can support us instead of drain us, I started my own business with two clients under my belt and a third in motion and two big ideas ahead, I am able to carry on my financial research with friends, and I’m a mother and know how to do my boy’s hair! Woo hoo. Not bad, yay!
I was speaking to a friend about life and how fear cripples most people from getting out of or getting into situations, but everything that guides us is behavioral and can be addressed, modified, changed.
I’m taking my victory lap because everything that is in play right now is cards on the table and they could and will be reshuffled as needed.
Keeping it real is all.