Good Job

TL:DR

• Life is challenging 

• You’re doing great

• I’m proud of you and you’re loved 

• Merry Christmas 

In today’s world, many people feel unseen and unappreciated. Words of affirmation, like "good job" or "I’m proud of you," have become increasingly rare. Even in long-term relationships, simple expressions of love and encouragement, such as "I love you" or "I’m proud of you," may be taken for granted. As a result, partners can go for years without hearing these meaningful words. Genuine, positive feedback is becoming harder to come by.

This issue is particularly evident as traditional gender roles continue to evolve. Today, it's common for both partners to juggle work, household responsibilities, and the care of children or aging parents. A lot of people are tired. Yet, society often treats these duties as the bare minimum expected from adults. In fact, some people don’t believe in offering praise for fulfilling responsibilities that are simply part of everyday life.

However, recognition is crucial, and credit should be given where it’s due. If you’re working hard and contributing to the economy, good job. If you’re striving to be an engaged and loving member of your family, good job. If you’ve reached out to someone in need, good job. If you’ve acknowledged that you’re out of shape and made the decision to start a fitness program, good job. If you’ve had a difficult but necessary conversation, good job. And if you’ve retired after a long or short career, good job.

One of the biggest mistakes we make is comparing our own lives to those of high achievers in every aspect. This comparison rarely improves our own situation and overlooks the unique context of our personal journey. What works for others may not be applicable or realistic for us. It’s important to recognize and appreciate your own progress, regardless of how it stacks up against others.

Celebrating milestones is essential for recognizing your progress and boosting your sense of accomplishment. Reflecting on what you’ve overcome and achieved can be a powerful reminder of your resilience. If you’ve navigated a tough period or completed a challenging project, I’m proud of you. Take the time to celebrate your successes—whether through a quiet moment of rest, a special meal, a date night, or a fun event. These moments of celebration are an essential part of honoring your hard work.

Life will continue to present challenges, and the key is to plan, adapt, and persevere. In times of peace, build your reserves. In times of struggle, focus on survival and seek help when needed. It’s crucial to invest in the long-term, especially when facing scarcity. Sometimes, simply making it through a difficult period is a victory worth celebrating.

If you're reading this, you’re already taking positive steps to improve yourself. If no one else has told you this yet this holiday season—good job. I’m proud of you, and you are loved. Merry Christmas! May you find peace, warmth, and joy during this special time.