By Dr. Eva Jackson
Like many people, I was raised to believe that pride and boasting were wrong. As an adult, however, I am learning that recognizing my accomplishments is not the same as bragging. No matter how big or small the achievement is, I am learning to celebrate doing a good job.
For me, being kind and doing good comes naturally, but I am realizing that it is also important to celebrate myself. Sometimes that means simply giving myself credit, patting myself on the back, or treating myself to something special just for being me. I am learning that self-celebration is not about putting myself above anyone else. It is about acknowledging my efforts and my growth and giving myself permission to feel good about the progress I have made.
What Self-Celebration Means to Me
Self-celebration, to me, is a way of shifting my inner voice. Instead of always asking, “What did I do wrong?” (and I have been guilty of this in my past!), I am learning to also ask, “What did I do well?” That simple change creates space for gratitude, confidence, and peace. It reminds me that I am not only someone who needs to improve; I am also someone who has already
overcome, learned, and grown.
Celebrating myself also helps me resist the habit of shrinking my wins. Too often, people are taught to minimize their gifts, downplay their effort, or move quickly past their successes. I am learning that there is nothing wrong with pausing to say, “I did a wonderful job,” or “I am proud of myself.” In fact, this acceptance and recognition can become a source of strength for myself
and others.
A Recent Example
Last week, I reviewed a presentation for my MS Peer Connections group, where I introduced the National MS Society’s Everyday Matters program topic, “Adjusting Your Mindset.” As part of the presentation, I discussed the idea of the lever and the fulcrum. How adjusting your mindset can change your outcomes.
After the presentation, several group members approached me and said that my co-presenter and I had done a wonderful job. Their feedback reminded me that the message had connected with people and that we had achieved our goal.
Changing My Response to Praise
In the past, I would have frozen, smiled, and simply said thank you while quietly wondering what I could have done differently. I would spend a great deal of time rethinking the moment and focusing on what I might have missed.
Now, I am learning to respond differently. I accept that I did well, met my goal, and shared information that could truly help someone. Instead of criticizing myself for forgetting a word or leaving out part of the presentation, I choose to celebrate the impact I made. Sometimes that celebration is as simple and joyful as telling myself, “Girl, you did that!”
About Dr. Eva Jackon:
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.