Embracing Life's Little Wins

I wanted to write something that I have been trying to bring into my daily life. I am all about self-care these days but this one is a bit harder than others. Life’s not just about the big wins, it’s also about the small victories and those fleeting moments of joy that often pass by unnoticed. These tiny triumphs, whether it’s completing a book, or the burst of happiness from that stranger’s smile, all add up. They’re the unsung heroes of our daily lives, the quiet moments that truly make us the main character in our lives.

Almost a year ago I started this blog and journalling again. I got the viral ‘five-minute journal’ and this may sound silly to some but it did change how I felt and lived my life. It made me recognize and be grateful for the things that seem small and normal. Like, every morning when I open my eyes I get the gift of a new day, and I make a conscious decision. A decision to find joy, to cherish the small victories that each day brings. It’s not always easy. Some days, the world seems to be against us, and the challenges seem insurmountable. But then, there are these moments, these precious nuggets of joy that make it all worthwhile. Take, for instance, the joy of a morning walk. It’s not about the miles covered or the calories burned. It’s about the feeling I get. It’s about the victory of choosing to get up and move, despite the comfort of the warm bed. Then there's the joy of a good book, the victory of a chapter read. It's not about the number of books on the shelf or the literary awards. It's about the journey into another world, the connection with characters who feel like old friends, and the victory of gaining new perspectives and insights. And let's not forget the joy of a shared laugh, the victory of a moment of connection. It's not about the joke or the punchline. It's about the shared experience, the collective joy, and the victory of feeling connected to another human being, even if for a fleeting moment.

Celebrating life's small wins is not just a feel-good practice; it's a crucial element in fostering a positive mindset and overall well-being. These minor victories, often overlooked, serve as the building blocks of larger successes. By acknowledging and celebrating them, we reinforce a sense of accomplishment and progress, which fuels our motivation and confidence. Recognizing small wins helps to break down larger goals into manageable steps,  making them less daunting and more achievable. Each small victory acts as a milestone, reminding us that we are on the right path and that our efforts are paying off. This incremental progress keeps us engaged and persistent, even when the ultimate goal seems distant.

I felt as if It was a hard start for me to recognize my small wins. Not because I wasn’t grateful for the life I have, but because it’s my normal. I didn’t think anything of it. Of the bed I wake up or go to sleep in every day, the food in my cabinets, the clothes in my closet, my relationships with friends and family, the new scenery I get to enjoy on my travels, etc. It’s all a part of my normal life. But after changing my perspective, and realizing that some are not able to have what I have, I quickly came to the realization that everything I do or have should be much more appreciated. Because none of it is a right, it’s a privilege. Changing my perspective on that, felt like I positively changed my life, my everyday.

Moreover, celebrating small wins cultivates gratitude. It shifts our focus from what we haven't achieved to what we have, fostering a more positive outlook on life. This practice can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, as we learn to appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.

In essence, celebrating small wins is about valuing the present moment and the progress we make each day. It’s a powerful way to build momentum, maintain motivation, and enhance our overall happiness. So, take a moment to recognize your small victories—they are the stepping stones to your larger dreams. Because in the end, it’s these moments that truly define us.

I'm back! Found this in the drafts... maybe I'll start writing again.

Love Always, M