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P Katz November Celebration Log

2006 marked my twentieth year in business. To commemorate the occasion, my friend and colleague, Maggie, gave me a wall stencil with the word 'Celebrate'. I affixed that to the wall in my office and declared the year 2006 to be a year of celebration.

In 2006 I celebrated my 54th birthday and my 32nd wedding anniversary. My children reached 26 and 21 years of age; and my eldest daughter married. Major milestones always stand out, but my intent was to find something to celebrate every single day of the year.

This log is the expression of that intent. Day by day, I recorded experiences, events, and conditions – large and small. Despite life's challenges and disappointments, I always found something to celebrate.

I'm sharing this with you in the hopes that it might help you notice and celebrate more of the good things to be found in your everyday life, too.

Appreciatively yours, Patricia

PS – Why not try this yourself? Download one of the Celebration Log templates and create your own record of appreciation day by day. It's available in two forms with my compliments:

Nov 1 - Today I celebrate ... the guilty delight of left over Hallowe'en treats. Oh, Henry - what would I do without you?

Nov 2 - Today I celebrate ... the magic of flight and the fact that my sister and my four year old niece can come halfway around the world just for the weekend.

Nov 3 - Today I celebrate ... the joy of an informal family dinner, and having a home in which to host it.

Nov 4 - Today I celebrate ... the success of my youngest sister, Bobbi, who was honored tonight by being inducted into the Sport Hall of Fame. How sweet to share this special moment in her life.

Nov 5 - Today I celebrate ... the beauty of classical music played on two century old instruments in a grand old concert hall that is decades old.

Nov 6 - Today I celebrate ... a fabulous feature on my new book in the Regina Leader Post – full page spread with colour, too.

Nov 7 - Today I celebrate ... the perfect client. One who knows your work, knows you are the one they want, offers you a choice of a half dozen dates, buys product in bulk, and doesn't worry one bit about price.

Nov 8 - Today I celebrate ... a visit from my good Iowa friend, Jolene Brown, and a chance to see her in action, speaking at a conference. She rocks!

Nov 9 - Today I celebrate ... a surprise visit from my youngest daughter who dropped in for homemade soup and salad, a visit, and a confidence boosting chat.

Nov 10 - Today I celebrate ... medicine that works its magic. Prescription eye drops soothe my itchy eyes.

Nov 11 - Today I celebrate ... homecomings. What a treat it was today to work with the Manitoba 4-H Leaders' conference attendees. I gave them my best, and they welcomed me with open arms. Sweet times. Great work.

Nov 12 - Today I celebrate ... the gift of an extroverted conversationalist companion that makes the time fly on a long road trip.

Nov 13 - Today I celebrate ... the freedom of spirit in presentations that would find me horizontal in a church pew with my legs in the air in front of 250 school support staff. I can't recall what point I was making, I only know we shared a giant belly laugh and lightened up together.

Nov 14 - Today I celebrate ... continued progress on the video edit project. We're down to the final details and the end is in sight.

Nov 15 - Today I celebrate ... having my work featured in the online version of the National Post.

Nov 16 - Today I celebrate ... progress on rewriting a promo piece. How many ways can you say the same thing? Editing is tough work.

Nov 17 - Today I celebrate ... my parents, Ruth and Norman, who today are celebrating 55 years of marriage. It was a treat to share their occasion and take them out to a special dinner.

Nov 18 - Today I celebrate ... a Saturday at home. I love my free weekends.

Nov 19 - Today I celebrate ... being hosted for dinner by my youngest daughter and her boyfriend. How sweet to see her playing hostess, serving drinks, recreating Grandma's Scalloped Potatoes.

Nov 20 - Today I celebrate ... my Balance Day buddies - hanging with Lillas and Linda at Earl's, I'm reminded of how important a part of my life are my women friends.

Nov 21 - Today I celebrate ... my friend Cheryl's return from safari and a long overdue visit.

Nov 22 - Today I celebrate ... the birthday of my next to youngest sister, Shelley B. She of big heart and fun spirit.

Nov 23 - Today I celebrate ... Michelle's generosity in hosting a Client Appreciation night. I've used hair styling services all my life, and this is the first time a service provider has ever done anything tangible to express her appreciation for the loyalty of her clients. How cool is that?

Nov 24 - Today I celebrate ... the satisfaction in tidying up loose ends of office paperwork at week's end.

Nov 25 - Today I celebrate ... making a start on the Christmas shopping.

Nov 26 - Today I celebrate ... that latent appreciation that arises in the youthful hearts and minds when, having set off on their own, they look back with a new sense of appreciation for the family they've left behind. Somehow family oddities become treasured family traditions in the wake of departure.

Nov 27 - Today I celebrate ... soft snow on a wintry day. Especially a day when I need only be inside working away and not braving the elements to conquer the world.

Nov 28 - Today I celebrate ... Peg's help with financial issues. It's good to have sisters with diverse talents.

Nov 29 - Today I celebrate ... the gift of a manicure - someone attending to the state of my hardworking hands.

Nov 30 - Today I celebrate ... being recognized in the company of other artists as one of 'them'. Very cool to be able to use my talent to support the Women's Mid-Life Health Center.

© 2007 - Patricia Katz MCE CHRP of Optimus Consulting is a speaker, author and consultant who helps individuals and organizations restore the rhythm of renewal to work and life. To bring Patricia's expertise to your organization, contact her at www.patkatz.com or toll free at (877) 728-5289.

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Note: You are welcome to reprint or repost this article with the understanding that: 1) Optimus Consulting retains full copyright. 2) Contact information is included as it appears at the end of the article. 3) Patricia Katz of Optimus Consulting is contacted and sent a copy of the publication or notice of the link in which the article appears.

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