Celebrate the small stuff

I scored a goal last night! Significant Other and I had discussed at half-time how I had not understood his direction to turn around and run for the goal as he ran toward me with the ball. My thought was to get touch so he could take the shot. Same sitch arises in the second half and I make a clockwise turn away from him to swing around and be in the goal box and draw my defender's attention away from the ball, which my SO then passed to the middle, just in time for the goalkeeper and me to rather messily make our separate plays for the ball. I prevailed, which is quite the accomplishment for a fullback. It was ugly, but the balled literally just rolled in the goal as I was on the ground looking to see if somehow it crossed the line. O, joy, look at it roll...and...it...is...in!

(Background here: no individual or team sports until college, and that was bowling and, as a senior, a poor, poor intramural softball team. Softball at 23, soccer at 25. My first goal: 28? So each one is still a cause for celebration.)

More thoughts on this book later, but current reading suggests enjoying the desired emotional state of accomplishment before the goal is achieved. In other words, give yourself permission to enjoy the small stuff as much as the big stuff. "Saving yourself" for the rewards that come from a major, long-anticipated accomplishment just denies the good feelings you deserve for the smaller ones. Assign joy to your whole life.

I scored a goal!