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April/May 2008 Issue
Celebrate every victory
by Jennifer Shike
Think back to one of the greatest celebrations in your life. What made it so memorable? How did you feel in that moment? How does it make you feel today?
One of the greatest celebrations in my life was our wedding day. Not only was it an incredibly special day where my husband and I entered into the most important decision of our lives as a couple, but it was also a day filled with memories spent alongside our family and greatest friends.
I still remember it like it was yesterday. The flowers were beautiful, the cake was delicious, the dresses were magnificent, the ceremony was meaningful and our minister shared one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard. It was a day that I never wanted to end!
More recent celebrations include the birth of our first daughter, the graduations of our siblings, and now, the first-birthday parties of our four nephews. Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating these big moments in life?
But celebrations don’t always have to be over the big things. I often forget to look at the small victories of my life as their own mini-celebrations.
As young swine exhibitors, I’m sure you can relate. It’s easy to get so focused on winning that big show that you forget to stop and celebrate the small victories that lead up to those big “defining” moments of your show season.
At the NJSA Regional Youth Leadership Conference, Dr. Jodi Sterle reminded youth in her motivational workshops of an important rule that she and her family follow. She encouraged us to “celebrate all victories – both large and small.”
As a parent, I’m realizing the importance of celebrating the small victories – such as Olivia choosing to obey the first time (instead of the fourth time), or when she picks up her toys without being prompted to do so.
But when I was younger, I remember it being hard to appreciate the small victories in my life. At times, I believe I expected the small victories and wasn’t satisfied with anything but the big victories.
It’s easy to do. It’s what you see all around you. When was the last time you saw an ad in Seedstock EDGE celebrating a seventh-place finish?
I find it interesting that we live in a society where a small failure can create a huge uproar, but a small victory often goes unnoticed. And, because we want to fit in with the crowd, we tend to minimize the small victories and focus too much on the small failures.
When it comes to celebrating victories, we need to learn a lesson from little kids. They celebrate everything. Olivia thinks she deserves a standing ovation when she throws something in the trash! I’ve watched novice NJSA members do a dance in the ring when they pick up their participation showmanship ribbon.
In the NJSA, we have tons of small victories to celebrate year-round – shows that start on time, DNA test results that come back correct, mentors helping protégés at the shows, sponsors stepping up their sponsorship level despite a tough economic year, judges who make our showmen feel important during their class, quality purebreds available to purchase from coast to coast, breeders who do the right thing, NJSA members who help others succeed – the list goes on and on.
It’s time we celebrate these small victories, because ultimately, they are the victories that lead up to the big ones. They can keep us motivated and positive about our purpose, despite the tough challenges that will come our way.
Speaking of victories, one more I’d like to share with you is the upcoming birth of our first son! He is due to arrive April 25 – just in time for me to make it back for the World Pork Expo Junior National in June.
I will be gone on maternity leave some of April and all of May, but plan to see you at our next big NJSA show in Des Moines, Iowa.
If you have any questions while I’m gone, don’t hesitate to contact Katey Brattain, NSR junior activities coordinator, at 765.463.3594 or katey@nationalswine.com. You can also reach me via e-mail at jennifer@nationalswine.com – I just can’t guarantee as fast of a response time during my maternity leave!
I’m excited about the awesome show season ahead and the many large and small victories we will be able to celebrate together. In the meantime, take a good look at your life. What can you celebrate today?
