PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE CPAA QUARTERLY CONTRIBUTOR
We celebrate when our children crawl, take their first steps, or speak their first word... so why do we stop celebrating professional success and adult achievements? How often do we remind our young students that it’s not all bad? That the broken friendship can be repaired, or the needed skill can be enhanced? Perhaps it’s a staff member... maybe they didn’t receive the rating they expected, but the progress they made shows just how much they’ve grown in their roles. Even in personal relationships, we sometimes get hurt by past issues, but in time, we see how we grew through them, strengthening our bonds. Acknowledgment is a celebration... and it’s necessary to see the big picture, remain optimistic, and ground oneself in reality. It’s not about being stagnant or resting on our laurels... it’s about seeing the joy in the work... recognizing that while a bird’s-eye view is valuable, a magnifying glass can also be awe-inspiring. Acknowledging progress is key to sustaining the progress sought. But if time isn’t taken to smile, reflect, and celebrate, it’s hard to remember why the push continues. Change is difficult. Growth is challenging. It’s crucial to pause, allow the good to sink in, and take the time to celebrate even the smallest victories. When wins aren’t acknowledged, the work can feel overwhelming, and there’s no chance to release the weight carried. This is where wellness comes in: recognizing wins—both big and small—is a part of self- care and growth as leaders.
Sometimes, there’s too much focus on what hasn’t been done, what slipped through the cracks, or what still feels unfinished. But in reality, so much has been accomplished, and that’s worth celebrating. As principals and assistant principals, the weight of every challenge is felt. Yet, it’s also known that each day brings victories of every size that push forward. EVERY win is evidence of progress. Whether in the classrooms, the office, or stepping into the community, it’s safe to say that more wins have occurred today... this year... than challenges or mistakes. Let’s celebrate that. Sometimes, celebrating someone else’s win is a healthy shift in perspective. What may seem like someone else’s victory is often also a win for a larger system—often an outcome of collective work and nurtured partnerships. When one is celebrated, all can celebrate. When a community member is awarded or an elder reaches a milestone, the celebration connects the community, bringing people closer and sometimes even fostering a deeper connection to one’s self. There is plenty of work ahead… many changes we want to see and progress we plan to make. But today, right now, let’s pause to reflect and celebrate the small victories, the unexpected wins, the silver linings. They are the foundation of our profession. They’re part of who we are as healthy humans. And they are necessary to propel us forward. As the end of the school year approaches, let’s celebrate the wins that filled us with hope and will fuel the journey forward.
CPAA IS VOICE AND POWER REALIZED • 49
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