It looks like responding to one message after a week of barely responding. It looks like getting out of bed, even though you’d rather just rot all day. It looks like quickly making something, even though cooking feels like a chore. It looks like making it through the long day without breaking down in front of strangers in the grocery store.
Yet, we don’t think of these minor things when we think of accomplishing something. Small victories matter.
As humans, we often measure progress by how big things are, like a milestone,promotions, healed relationships, or good daily routines, but we should be appreciating more. If you can celebrate the big wins, you can celebrate the things you may see as little wins.
Recovery is often quieter than the big milestones. But it is one of the most important ones. Sometimes progress is only seen by the one fighting the battle and things may not seem like victories at the time. Something that may seem “small” to others can feel huge for someone else.
Instead of numbing everything, you cry. Instead of refusing to follow through with the boundaries you set, you stand by them. Instead of not cleaning your room, you clean it. Instead of avoiding your feelings, you face them. Give yourself grace. It’s not easy, but when you learn to let yourself earn things and constantly show up, life begins to feel lighter.
Even though at the moment these things may seem like everyday tasks, it matters that you got up and chose to help yourself. Things may be getting better, and then you still have bad days. Even if you’ve gained the strength to do tasks that feel heavy, you may still feel worn out. Just because you are experiencing pain again does not take away the progress you have made.
A survival-level achievement still counts as a win.
Maybe drinking more water was your accomplishment of the day. Maybe it was getting out of the house. Maybe it was eating a nutritious meal. Those things matter too!
Not every stage of life is a path to success. Certain seasons of life are about how you persevered.
You are adjusting and making it. Despite how tough that may be. You are doing it!
So, before you are quick to judge yourself for not doing enough, take a minute and look at what it has taken for you to overcome it.
It takes strength to keep going.
Even when it’s unnoticed.
