This past weekend, I was at an event and ran into a few folks who thanked me for writing these Resilient Wednesdays. They shared,  “They are always so positive and help brighten my day.” “I like that you always include some practical advice that I can immediately use. I reached out to a cousin last week and reconnected with her, and she is a real cousin!”

Driving home with Sheila a bit later, I told her how great it felt to get feedback and what delight it brings me when I know I am making a difference in people’s lives.

Later on, I read a story in the New York Times by Sarah Wildman  about her 13-year-old daughter’s journey with recurring cancers. She shared their family’s painful journey like a tour guide giving descriptions of a battlefield. Yes, there was much aching, and amidst it, there was much courage and gratitude.

When our daughter was in treatment for breast cancer and people asked how we were doing, I would say, “well, within the big suck, we’re doing okay.”

All our lives have ups and downs. We celebrate our victories and bemoan our existence when our world is falling apart. Ms. Wildman suggests a middle ground between these peaks and valleys.

What if we recognize that we have a lot of little wins during our day? She calls them 3s, 4s and 5s. On that noble scale of 1-10, these events bring a smile, remind us of the important people around us, and help us see our success. She saw that in the little wins her daughter had on her ongoing journey to health

I’m into celebrating small wins. The other day, I unloaded the dishwasher while Sheila folded clothes. I hugged her and told her these were “2s.”

They may seem small on the one hand, but incrementally they strengthen our resilience and character.

If your leadership needs help in seeing what works, let’s talk.

© Richard Citrin 2022