It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, monotonous way of living. Before even stepping out of bed, I’m already thinking of the diapers to be changed, the kids to get dressed, what to give them for breakfast, and if I can get my coffee made before the whining starts. That is the basic morning routine here.
I find my days similar…checking each hour off the list, we made it through this, finished that, so on and so forth. The weeks are the same…. ugh, Monday, only Tuesday?, halfway there Wednesday, one more day Thursday, finally here Friday, nice to see you Saturday, then Sunday is here before you know it to kick off a new week. Unless I have a special event, date, outing, etc. to look forward to, it is as if I am just going through the motions each. and. every. day. Here’s the thing, you’re not. I’ll say it again, you are not just going through the motions each hour/day/week/month/year. There are small victories throughout that are going unnoticed. There are accomplishments you are conquering that you don’t even realize. Some accomplishments may be stepping out of your comfort zone to interview for a new job, starting a business, trying a new class, taking lessons of some sort, moving to a new city/state/country…some may seem like small accomplishments but it is the small victories that lead to big ones. When you accomplish a goal, whether it be short term or long term there is one common attribute and that is that you overcame. Whether it be fear or anxiety, celebrate because you overcame that doubt and pushed through.
Celebrate the victories in others as well. Today, I received a text from a friend saying that she hoped the class I helped team teach today went well, followed by another friend offering to help me practice, as well as an instructor that stayed to help me with technique/coaching. How good does it feel when others want to celebrate your small victories with you? I guarantee that once you start celebrating others, you will see the celebration reciprocated. I’m not saying you have to start patting someone on the back for changing the toilet paper roll or washing a dish.. although, wouldn’t you be more inclined to do those things if someone told you how great you are for doing them (wink face here)?! Just an example, of how much your encouraging words mean to someone.
So, what inspired me to write this post? This picture.
Nope, not some big event. It was a short moment with my 22-month-old daughter. She is strong willed and we sometimes have mutual frustrations with each other. She will sit in my lap throughout the day for short periods but for some reason, this specific moment just felt sweet. She was calm, I was calm, it was just a pleasant moment. All of the hard, frustrating moments seemed to fade away. It was short lived, let’s be real here (and I think she was hot and tired), but the fact that she still loves me and feels safe in my arms after all the frustrating times, was a small victory. And you know what? It is okay to celebrate small moments. So as you read this, think of the small victories throughout the week and celebrate them. Because once you start recognizing the small victories, it will only lead to bigger ones. Also, recognize a small victory in someone else, and compliment or give them an encouraging word. Just a few positive words can make a huge difference.
The small victories matter.
YOU matter.
A Darling Detour 