While flipping through Facebook, as one does when procrastinating on cleaning the bathroom. If you stall long enough, it will eventually clean itself, right? No? Huh. Anyways, back to the topic at hand. While scrolling through my Facebook Newsfeed, I came across an article about kids’ sports and the discussion about trophies. The opinions out there vary greatly and are often passionate about whether a child should receive a trophy for actual achievements on the playing field, or for simply being participants. I’m not entirely sure where I stand on this issue for kids’ trophies, but I am absolutely certain there is a lack of trophies handed out to us adults. And that needs to be changed ASAP.
Finished a home improvement project your spouse has been bugging you about? You will be given a medal, to wear around your neck with pride.
Paid a bill on time? You can earn credits, and a smiley face sticker, on your next bill, for good behavior.
Made it to work on time every day this week? Your name will be drawn out of a hat, and you get to pick a prize out of the Prize Basket, just like in elementary school.
Kept your opinions to yourself when your boss implemented a new policy, which you know will cause more harm than good? You deserve a plaque, engraved with your name, the date, and your impressive achievement. And the boss should be the one to hand it to you!
Drove to and from work in crazy traffic, without causing harm to you or anyone else? You get a bumper sticker, which will totally trump those “Student of the Month” stickers you see on every third minivan driving around your town.
Finished everything on your to-do list? You will be awarded a sparkly pin to wear for all to see, claiming your status as a “badass”. And if you cook dinner on the same day, the pin can have lights, too!
Invited your mother-in-law to your house, just because? You will totally earn yourself a million dollars, and the admiration of all around you.
Went to your dentist appointment, without rescheduling it three times to avoid pain or reprimand from your severely lacking flossing regime? You will be given a shiny gold coin in your bag, along with a new toothbrush and toothpaste. Along with a reminder about the importance of flossing.
Made it through the entire day without a second cup of coffee, without biting anyone’s head off? You should get the opportunity to wear that well-deserved tiara with pride.
Paid off your student loans? You should go pack your bags so you can travel to see your face on a billboard in Times Square, and have a one-on-one interview on The Today Show, proclaiming your impressive accomplishment.
Put on a bra and actual pants before leaving the house today, instead of the typical oversized shirt and yoga pants? You will get a coupon to earn that item you’ve yearned for from your favorite store, but couldn’t justify spending the money on it, for FREE!
I don’t know about you, but some days I feel like being an adult isn’t at all like it was sold to us a kids. There are some days where being an adult, is simply overrated. But we get up and do it. Every. Day. Why? Because that is what being a responsible adult does. And I sincerely believe that should be acknowledged in some way.
But since, we are adults, and can’t always get the opportunity to stand in front of a group of our peers and be handed trophies for all of our accomplishments, big and small, we must do this for ourselves. So, here’s what I propose: give yourself an Atta Girl (or Boy). How? you ask.
In a folder or large envelope, collect physical representation of praise for all you do. *Cards from friends and loved ones that make you smile * Emails received that include thanks for something you’ve done, at work or for friends * Photos showing you how beautiful and blessed you truly are * Printed pages of quotes that inspire you * Copies of receipts or paid bills, showing how hard you worked to pay for them. Every once in a while, open the folder and flip through your collection of “trophies”. And as you do, wear your smile with pride, as if it were the biggest and brightest medal ever given out.
Off to clean the bathroom now. And for that, I would like to have a mirror ball trophy, like the one they hand out on Dancing with the Stars.
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