Celebrate the Win

My husband and I worked for an inner city parachurch organization for ten years, and one of the ministries we had was an early learning center for 80 children, ages 2 1/2 through Kindergarten. In order for incoming children to attend the school they had to be potty-trained and no longer using a pacifier. 

The only exception to this rule were a couple of the staff's children who were transitioning into the classroom. We let their children start without the above criteria, but the goal was to get them to the point where they would be where the rest of the children were.

There was a teacher in the school who happened to be a Franciscan nun, Sister Angela Francis. She was an older woman who could be quite strict, but she was so wonderful with the little ones and did something special for each one when it was time to give up that binky. 

Sister Angela would hold a special ceremony and bring a special "treasure" box and would hold a "becoming a big girl or boy" ceremony. During the ceremony which included songs, she would put the pacifier in the box and lock it with a key. It was then put up high on a shelf with a special sign stating that little suzie was a big girl now. Sister Angela would have a gift she would give each one. It generally was a little stuffed animal they could use during nap time.

Other than a whimper or two for a couple of days, those children never went back to using the pacifier. Generally it was harder for the staff parents than the child! 😂 It was always amazing to me that creating a special celebration and making a big deal about it did wonders to help these children through the milestone.

It makes me think about the things we struggle to give up in our life. It could be bad habits, letting go of the past to move forward, an addiction or sinful behaviors. I think we could get much further along if we could learn to celebrate the wins. Rather than repeatedly focusing on the times we mess up, begin to celebrate and be thankful for the times you succeed at creating new habits. 

Those little ones in our school were so proud of themselves for giving up their pacifiers. Their teacher had found a way to make it a positive experience instead of just taking it way and then having them throw tantrums. 

As you seek to make changes in your life, make sure you celebrate the successes. If you fall down and mess up, get back up, and ask the Lord to help you move forward. Replace the thing you are letting go of with a positive new habit or activity. Then when you do move forward make sure you celebrate the win. Give yourself a treat. Make it a big deal when you make positive changes in your life. 

We would get much further ahead if we can learn to create moments of celebrating our successes.