A Sticker for a Job Well Done

On my way to the gym, I noticed something small that made me smile.

I was still wearing a Bluey sticker.

Another role I hold is teaching small children to dance. In my classes with three and four year olds, I give them a sticker at the end of class for a job well done. It’s a simple way to recognize their effort and celebrate that they showed up, tried something new, and participated.

The day before, I decided to give myself a sticker.

When I noticed it again the next morning, it made me smile. It was such a small thing, but it stayed with me. I realized how rarely we pause to acknowledge ourselves in the same way.

As adults, many of us are conditioned to look outward for recognition. We learn to wait for someone else to notice when we’ve done well. Praise from a teacher, approval from a supervisor, validation from others. Over time, acknowledgment becomes something that feels external.

Yet there are so many moments in life where effort deserves recognition, even if no one else sees it.

Sometimes we handle a difficult situation with patience.

Sometimes we keep going through a challenging day.

Sometimes we simply show up and do the best we can.

These moments often pass quietly.

Giving myself that sticker reminded me that acknowledgment does not always have to come from outside of us. We can also offer it inwardly. Not as ego, but as appreciation for the effort it takes to move through life with care and intention.

Children understand this instinctively. A small symbol of encouragement means something to them. It helps them feel seen. It helps them feel proud of what they’ve done.

Perhaps adults need that reminder too.

Sometimes we are doing a good job.

Sometimes we need to acknowledge it.

Sometimes we need to congratulate ourselves.

It might even feel a little like happiness.