Articles

P Katz August Celebration Log

© Patricia Katz MCE CHRP, Optimus Consulting

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:

Aug 1 - Today I celebrate … sweet and sticky cinnamon buns and the fine man who makes them.

Aug 2 - Today I celebrate … the colorful costumes of the First Nations people, and the call of the drum.

Aug 3 - Today I celebrate … my reclaimed artistic talent. I can really draw! Who knew?

Aug 4 - Today I celebrate … the glorious hanging baskets at the Berry Barn. Plentiful, abundant, luxurious and colorful.

Aug 5 - Today I celebrate … woodfire flames and hanging lanterns – the glow of a garden party on a warm summer evening.

Aug 6 - Today I celebrate … the generosity of our eldest daughter and her new husband, who treated us to an overnight at Sandcastle Ranch. There’s nothing as sweet as the smell of sweet grass on the prairie on a cool summer evening.

Aug 7 - Today I celebrate … the yearning for learning. Two young innkeepers with many questions and a desire to grow and improve.

Aug 8 - Today I celebrate … stepping out of the familiar routine, and putting my wildly thick head of hair in the hands of a new stylist. Great results.

Aug 9 - Today I celebrate … the joy of working in my bare feet. Got to love those home office perks.

Aug 10 - Today I celebrate … the relief that comes with an apology conceived and delivered. Soothes the soul.

Aug 11 - Today I celebrate … the joy of waking up in my childhood bedroom to the crash of thunder and the dance of rain on the roof.

Aug 12 - Today I celebrate … the anticipation of spending a week at Waskesiu – basking in the great outdoors in a place that fills my soul.

Aug 13 - Today I celebrate … leaving behind any work, regrets, loose ends, and worries, as we head north into the land of the lakes.

Aug 14 - Today I celebrate … Lindsay’s arrival with her girl friend. So rich to see how excited Lin is about coming to spend time at Kapasiwin with us. Childhood traditions linger.

Aug 15 - Today I celebrate … shooting stars – and the joy of watching and wishing.

Aug 16 - Today I celebrate … the smell of an evening wood fire with the breeze from the lake.

Aug 17 - Today I celebrate … biking on my very own brand new bike – into town and back – sun on my back, and breeze on my cheeks.

Aug 18 - Today I celebrate … cool nights and warm fires – the power of noticing – colours, expressions, exchanges, experiences.

Aug 19 - Today I celebrate … morning yoga on the deck, hot coffee, time with my journal – surrendering.

Aug 20 - Today I celebrate … heading home. The satisfaction of a vacation with time well spent – heart mended and uplifted.

Aug 21 - Today I celebrate … the fact that it is possible to disengage from the world of work and for it to wait for your return.

Aug 22 - Today I celebrate … the feeling that I’m rested and ready. Excited and enthused about the challenges that lie ahead.

Aug 23 - Today I celebrate … the prospect of something new – partnering with artists to share the garden space and the experience.

Aug 24 - Today I celebrate … the annual Open Garden - this time in partnership with the Mudslingers pottery group. How wonderful to share the garden, create a beautiful gallery, and have the world respond. Somewhere around 100-125 guests today.

 Aug 25 - Today I celebrate … my good friend, Cheryl, who encourages me to grow strong and think big. What a gift she is in my life.

 Aug 26 - Today I celebrate … the confidence of going it alone. Downtown I went – all on my own – to watch the fireworks and lanterns floating from the Broadway bridge. Took my sketch book and captured the evening – alone but not lonely in a crowd of thousands.

 Aug 27 - Today I celebrate … my Aunt Onie’s 80 years. A second Mom to me, she is a model of making a life through setbacks and hardships. Her faith sustains her will to go on.

 Aug 28 - Today I celebrate … last night’s outdoors harvest dinner at Pineview Farms. A beautiful late summer evening, a spectacular setting, fine food and drink.

 Aug 29 - Today I celebrate … the virtual launch of my new book:  Press Pause…Press On. How satisfying to see it take its first few steps.

 Aug 30 - Today I celebrate … long term friendships that grow from working closely with colleagues. How kind of Karen to bring us all together – Maryann, Lillas, Shelley, Kathy. Shared water under the bridge leaves a beautiful river flowing behind.

 Aug 31 - Today I celebrate … courage. I faced the dentist’s chair and the rebuilding of four tired teeth. Thank goodness for the calming effect of meditation practice.

© 2007 - Patricia Katz MCE CHRP of Optimus Consulting is a speaker, author and consultant who helps groups and individuals restore the rhythm of renewal to work and life. Contact her at www.patkatz.com or toll free at (877) 728-5289.
The text of this publication or parts thereof may only be reproduced with the written permission of the author. To inquire about reproduction, contact:
Patricia Katz, MCE CHRP Optimus Consulting 315 O'Brien Place, Saskatoon, SK Canada S7K 6S9
P: (306) 934-1807. F: (306) 242-0795.
Toll Free: (877) 728-5289 (pat-katz)
E: info@patkatz.com . W: www.patkatz.com