I recently started a new practice.
I first heard about it on the Teach Write site.
I won’t lie: I took off with it like a dog with a bone.
This is a very simple, but powerful practice.
List all of the “wins”, or accomplishments, for the day or week.
Sometimes I set a timer. Other times I just write until I feel I’m done.
That’s.
It.
When I first start writing my list, I feel like I’m running on empty.
I grasp for anything that sounds like a “win”.
Then, after three to five entries, something unexpected happens.
Every item I write leads to another win.
Another celebration.
Sometimes the wins are small.
Like: I finally threw out my son’s Vans that our dog chewed up 4 months ago.
Sometimes they’re significant.
Like when I listed all of the things I created in a week for myself, my students and my family.
Sometimes they’re meaningful.
Like: I received three very positive and complimentary messages from parents.
The benefits of this practice are valuable.
I’ve discovered that listing my wins helps me review my day or week.
That’s something I haven’t done often enough.
Until now.
Then, I discover all of the things I accomplished during the day with my students, for myself and my family.
Before I know it, I can’t stop adding to my list!
Each item makes me smile.
Each new memory fills me with gratitude.
And hope.
Especially on those days when (it seemed that) nothing went well, I read over my list.
And, I muster the strength I need to give it another go.
And, that’s a win.
Cross posted to The Two Writing Teachers Tuesday Slice of Life Challenge.
Elisa Waingort 
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