When something good happens to me I don't always ask myself Who to call first Because My heart already has the answer.
It's my partner.
Typically, she's the first one that I want to tell before the congratulations begin, before family members know about it, before friends send their messages.
I believe that's because she sees the elements of the journey that many people don't.
The doubts.
The frustrations.
The ideas that fail to come to fruition.
The times I’m getting excited about an opportunity, and the times that I’m asking myself, “Oh, is this even worth trying?”
There are countless battles that go on hidden from the public eye when you're constructing something, pursuing a goal, and generally striving to become better. Most people see the end of the work but the person closest to you sees the process.
It's for this reason that good news isn't complete until I tell her about it.
Over the years I've observed that people celebrate differently when they know the journey.
When I tell a stranger that something wonderful has happened they are likely to be pleased with me but when I tell someone who remembers the sleepless nights, the setbacks, and times when things did not seem to be going well, then the celebration holds more significance.
They know the victory because they saw the struggle.
My partner is the first person with whom I share good news but next will be my family and a few close friends.
Family is always going to be a big part of me, it's always going to be a really big part of me, because it's part of my foundation. It's always nice to hear the excitement from those that know us best, no matter our ages.
It's the same with real friends.
Not those who come in when it's good – those who come in when it is hard.
The friends who support you when you're feeling low and who remind you of your reasons when you are tempted to give up.
It's their victories to be celebrated as well.
The thing I've learned is that good news is a lot about relationships.
Your success isn't competing for the right people.
They don't get uncomfortable when something good has happened to you.
Rather they celebrate as though the win is theirs as well.
These are the individuals to keep on your side.
So, would I be hurt if the person who I share my good news with decided to tell someone else first when they had good news?
Honestly, perhaps a little.
Not because I think I'm always going to be the first one they call but because it's a sign of trust and intimacy, It's a special position in someone's life.
But, I've also learned that relationships are not games, either.
We have various role players in our lives.
Sometimes the first person who is called is just the person who is the most associated with that experience and that is okay, what's more important is that they still want to share their joy with you.
As I have grown older I have come to the realisation that it is a privilege to be trusted with somebody's good news.
Achievements are fantastic!
Success is wonderful.
Breakthroughs are wonderful.
The best part of those moments however is having people with which to share them with.
For me that begins with my woman.
Then my family.
Then the friends that I’ve journeyed with.
The people who saw the battle should be told about the victory.
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