Articles
P Katz July 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:
- My Celebration Log - MS Word Doc (334 kb)
- My Celebration Log - PDF Format (280 kb)
July 1 - Today I celebrate ... a day off to enjoy this great country of ours – and one more event celebrated in my childhood home. I appreciate the 54 years of memories as I wash dishes looking out the kitchen window into the north yard.
July 2 - Today I celebrate ... a long, hot glorious weekend with plenty of time in the garden.
July 3 - Today I celebrate ... progress in the garden – and my attempts to revive the fallen planters.
July 4 - Today I celebrate ... the joy that is Bobbi – my youngest sister, whose birthday is today.
July 5 - Today I celebrate ... helping hands. I would never have moved five yards of mulch without the help of Jennifer and Maryann.
July 6 - Today I celebrate ... the courage it took to enter the 'Best Garden in Saskatoon' contest.
July 7 - Today I celebrate ... lunch with friends – time out in a whirlwind of preparations.
July 8 - Today I celebrate ... the romance of new love found in mid age. Linda and Steve are a joy to watch and be around.
July 9 - Today I celebrate ... the anticipation of the countdown. Three more sleeps till Tristan and Marc arrive. Six more sleeps till their wedding day.
July 10 - Today I celebrate ... a project drawing to conclusion. Met with Brian this morning to review the proofs of the Press Pause ... Press On book. It is looking fabulous.
July 11 - Today I celebrate ... time out for a pedicure – falling asleep in the chair – a moment's rest in the busyness and a bit of pampering for the feet and the soul.
July 12 - Today I celebrate ... a most practical gift of support. Jennifer came to weed the garden one last time before the wedding, and the arrival of the bride and groom.
July 13 - Today I celebrate ... a private moment – one of many - with the bride to be. In this case, shopping for earrings for her wedding day - such precious moments and memories.
July 14 - Today I celebrate ... the generosity of my sisters – making squares, washing windows – practical helps; and the joy of working with flowers as I made the centerpieces for the wedding tables.
July 15 - Today I celebrate ... the marriage of Tristan and Marc – and how the world has conspired to deliver the perfect day.
July 16 - Today I celebrate ... the day after the wedding – the easy relaxation of being together – and the beauty of the brunch tables set with our friends and family.
July 17 - Today I celebrate ... the power of a well-earned rest after a strenuous string of days – and transitions. And so, the wedding ends and a marriage begins.
July 18 - Today I celebrate ... the life of Uncle Gordon. His funeral today reminds me of the joy he brought to every day and the people he touched along the way.
July 19 - Today I celebrate ... the generous heart and soul of Lindsay who gifted me with lunch, a card of appreciation, and an afternoon at the spa in recognition of all the hard work in preparing for the wedding. What a thoughtful young woman.
July 20 - Today I celebrate ... a husband who encourages me to take/get what I need – in this case – a day of puttering, despite the backlog of workplace responsibilities.
July 21 - Today I celebrate ... finishing my journal entries recalling the days of the wedding. I'm happy to have captured the bits and pieces to savor in the days to come.
July 22 - Today I celebrate ... yet again, my dear husband's skill in resolving computer problems. Thank God for Dave.
July 23 - Today I celebrate ... a couple of sunny hours spent in the park in the company of Bobbi, Hailey and Nicole. I feel good about fulfilling my promise to go biking with them - even if it was scooter time in lieu.
July 24 - Today I celebrate ... techno progress. In particular, the ability to pay my bills on line.
July 25 - Today I celebrate ... the freedom to take a day and enjoy a flower arranging class mid week, and the serene half hour I spent sitting in the shade in the U of S Bowl enjoying a coffee and the morning.
July 26 - Today I celebrate ... the arrival of my fifth book – all 3,231 copies of it. It looks fabulous, and I am very proud of the contents. You dun good, Patricia!
July 27 - Today I celebrate ... the delightfully crazy zany spirit of my sisters, Shelley and Peggy, who performed a weird and whacky belly dance at last night's Bobbi and Bruce 'Off To Saudi Arabia' party.
July 28 - Today I celebrate ... having been able to witness the absolute look of delight on Brian's face when he opened the box and held his first book project in his hands. Awesome!
July 29 - Today I celebrate ... not having to drive to Grande Prairie. Sometimes the cancellation of an event is a blessing in disguise.
July 30 - Today I celebrate ... a day in the garden - trimming, pruning, clipping, cleaning. Warm sun, fresh air, a sense of accomplishment.
July 31 - Today I celebrate ... adventurous chefs and fine restaurants. Calories (the restaurant), I'm glad you're in my life!
© 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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