A is the last letter of perma and in many respects is the most straightforward and obvious. We can all feel a sense of accomplishment when we achieve something that we set out to do. These goals can be quite small or much larger. I felt a sense of achievement last night when I managed to say my sentence in German to my guest. And better still he smiled and thanked me. So, whilst my few words of German are extremely rusty, I was clearly able to make sense to him.
Seligman argues that achievements that are intrinsically motivated, motivated by interest or enjoyment supports well-being far more effectively than anything that is associated with money or fame. For me creative activities appear to provide a sense of achievement in ways that nothing else does these days. In the past academic achievement and publication within my academic field was important however that is no longer what drives me. Two people who have recently responded to this blog have commented about the ways in which they have found things change with age and with experiences. Given that we are all influenced by our experiences both positive and negative it makes sense that what we want to achieve this year or even this month may be very different from what came before. I noticed that in one of our books, a colleague commented on a method of assessing children’s progress which took no account of the individual effort made and progress achieved, nor the value and importance of emotional and social factors. As adults we have to assess our progress ourselves. In developing a sense of flourishing our achievements may not be end goals in and of themselves it might simply be our ability to recognise the progress that we have made, that may be an accomplishment that is really important.
This morning was my first breakfast of the season. I had decided to do them slightly differently this year. I wanted to set everything up in a basket and leave them to it. However, the baskets that I bought are actually too small! I had to use two baskets. At that point it was starting to look a little odd, so I decided to lay the table. At that point I had somewhat defeated myself! My idea was to create less work. Never mind, I will have another think and see what I can do.
Please remember that if you are interested in learning to crochet do get in touch. The first weekend is happening very soon. Message me with your questions or to reserve a place.
Until tomorrow…
Tales from the Sheshed France 