As children strive to participate in their childhood endeavors, such as learning and schooling, some significant accomplishments beckon acknowledgement: report cards, honor rolls, team accomplishments, etc. Instead of giving accolades that enshrine the accomplishments, pause to honor the inspired path and energize it from the heart. Create an opportunity for the celebrated to verbalize and to share their accomplishments with their family, their community. Try to avoid superlatives like “You’re the greatest…” These statements have an effect that is very different from what we expect them to have, often disempowering where empowerment is intended. It is always important to be reminded that we are not loved for our accomplishments, but for our whole selves – even as accomplishments are celebrated. We are human beings, not human doings.
Acknowledging Accomplishments
