My friend Kimberly and I recently started a new ritual to end our days on a positive note. We intentionally say goodnight on an upnote. It has quickly become a favorite part of my day.
We text each other our wins: what we have accomplished, what we are proud to say we have done or haven’t done, moments in time we want to collect and tuck into our memory. We applaud each other.
Sometimes we offer up questions and reflections, but mostly we “Yay-say.”
Too often society trains us to look at what is wrong so that we can fix it.
“I’ll be your Yay-sayer,” I said.
“I’ve had plenty of naysayers lately," my friend replied.
Actual Conversation, October 7, 2014
We look at what we’ve done right and what more we can make more right in the future.
It feels so much better.
Yesterday I wrote to Donna, the manager of the Art and Spirituality Center to ask if she would please hold onto the evaluations from the workshop I lead there Saturday. I explained I wanted them for my “Atta- girl” file.
The story behind “Atta-Girl” goes like this: When I was little, I had a tiny nook attached to my bedroom we referred to as “The Doll Room.” It is now cedar-lined walk in closet, just so you can understand the size.
In the floor there was a hole to the t.v. room which probably a pipe at one time. The little girl me would put my ear to the floor and listen to my father, cheering on whatever sports team was on the television screen and would often shout, “Atta Baby!” or “Atta Boy!” or whatever he wanted to attach to “Atta” which I believe is like saying “That’s the way!” or something similar.
Donna responded to my “Atta-girl file” request like this:
You are more than welcome to review and copy the
completed evaluation forms. I imagine
your “atta girl” files to be quite full, as your workshop was
outstanding and I have heard that past ones were as well.
My eyes flooded with tears. Donna has no way of knowing I am re-starting this practice from years ago. I am sure with a conscious effort to rally my Yay-Sayers, my “Atta-girl” file will grow full quickly.
Who is your Yay-Sayer?
If you don’t have one, look around at your current friends for someone who might step into that role for you. Perhaps create a circle of Yay-sayers and begin a community of positivity for many.
It is a great way to end your day: a sacred ritual that reminds you of all that is good, right, true and holy about you.
Yes, I said YOU.
YAY!
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© 2014 - Julie Jordan Scott - all rights reserved
I started the challenge late, and now I am caught up. This is my seventh story.
I actually have managed to be bold a lot in the last few days and plan to follow my adventures right here in this series.
The question is making sure to carve out the time and to document it all in a way you'll enjoy reading about bold choices in a most authentic, real-me voice.
I'm grateful you are reading.