Celebrate the small wins ✨

#WednesdayWisdom

"You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." —Louise L. Hay

Morning Musings

Far too often in life we save celebrations for The Big Moments. You know the ones: graduating college, landing that first job, getting promoted, getting engaged, getting married, buying a house, having a baby and so forth and so on.

But what about the small moments that fall in between? Like getting the job interview, a successful first date, not killing a succulent? Which, by the way, if anyone has any tips on keeping succulents alive, PLEASE let me know (RIP to my beloved plants, Darryl and Patrice).

My point is, we're super quick to downplay our accomplishments. Just last week, I had two friends talk about a job offer and moving in with her longtime boyfriend as NBD (that's Internet-speak for "no big deal"). And I told them to "stop right there, thank you very much."

Why NOT celebrate this moment? Why NOT dust your shoulder off, as Jay Z would say? Why NOT give yourself credit where credit is due? And then I quickly recognized I was not practicing what I preach. Pot, meet kettle.

You see, at the end of March, I was promoted from Media Relations Manager to Director of External Affairs at work. Why are you just now hearing about this? Because despite several attempts and my best efforts (not to mention reading every negotiation article under the sun), I was unable to secure a higher salary. So I kept my Big News on the low. I dimmed my own light.

So I say all that to tell you don't do what I did -- don't dim your light. Celebrate the small wins and The Big Moments. Because you deserve to, dammit. You don't need anyone's permission to shine bright like a diamond. Now sparkle like the gem that you are.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

As a self-proclaimed optimist, I have a penchant for inspirational quotes and motivational messages (like, that's the basis of this very newsletter).

So you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Shine Text. I chatted with the founders to learn more about the text-messaging app for HelloGiggles. Download now and thank me later.

Links I Love

This Morning Routine Will Save You 20+ Hours Per Week

3 Ways to Break Free From Being "Too Busy"

How Successful People Finish All Their Work By Thursday (Stress-Free)

My Latest Obsession

After months of deliberation and procrastination, I finally broke down and bought a Fitbit! My previous fitness tracker bit the dust last year and I'd been looking for a suitable replacement ever since. Well, I'm happy to report I've found one! I love that I can see my steps throughout the day (and the little party on my wrist when I've reached my goal) and that I can compete with friends using Fitbit Challenges ... even if I'm currently in next-to-last place for the "Workweek Hustle." Using my Fitbit makes getting back on track with my fitness goals fun and easy!

Now Hiring

Freelance Event Producer for Flavorpill Media

Assistant Social Media Producer for USA TODAY Network

Director, Individual Giving for The AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Director, Development for American Red Cross

Producer for Windy City Live

Assistant Web Editor for Society for Neuroscience 

Fitness Editor for Fitbit

Graphic Designer for Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (come work with me!)

Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this of LT in the City Weekly! Hit me up on the Interwebs below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!