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LITTLE VICTORIES

Baby steps count too. Before you know it,
you’ll have come a long way

It’s more often than not that we forget to celebrate our triumphs. The world seems to point out just about everything we do wrong and rarely sheds light on the things we do right. However, in my experience, I have noticed that it is the little victories that make each day a little more bearable.

Why They are important

It is so so important – like really important – to not only recognize these little victories but also to actually LET YOURSELF feel victorious. It is really easy to brush it off and say to yourself “Somebody else probably has it worse” or “It’s not that big of a deal.” Well, ya know what? It is a big deal and so are you. You are “A badass mudda, who don’t take no crap off of nobody!” (Cool Runnings 1993).

By letting yourself have these wins you will feel a lot more self-confident, energized, motivated, determined, and above all, keep your fighting spirit alive. Most of you reading this probably already know that a chronic autoimmune disease is a constant battle. At no point will the condition ‘lighten up’ for you because you want it to which is why we must fight every day for the little wins.

The cool thing about it is: One day all of those little wins will add up and you will stand VICTORIOUS.

Looking back at my journey so far, there have been some really nasty days. Whether during a flare-up, not being able to move because of blood loss and fatigue, or just generally fed up with the idea of not being in control of my own body, I fought for the little victories of the day. Here is a list of some of mine that has ultimately led me to a body that is healing, rebuilding, and thriving:

List of Little Victories

  • Getting out of bed
  • Walking up stairs without feeling dizzy
  • Being able to keep down your meal
  • Only using the bathroom 5 times today
  • Sleeping through the night
  • Able to do some form of exercise
  • When your symptoms don’t interrupt a conversation
  • Go out to eat without feeling nervous
  • Making it through an entire car ride without abdominal cramps
  • Making it to the toilet in time
  • Being the first one to use the toilet after it has just been cleaned (so awesome)
  • Hearing any good news from the doctor
  • When the nurse gets the IV in on the first try
  • Being able to meditate for 5 minutes
  • Keeping yourself focused on a productive task instead of your symptoms
  • Explaining your condition to someone and having them understand
  • Having semi-formed poops!
  • Not seeing blood on the toilet paper
  • Any time your guts don’t feel like they are on fire
  • Walking into a place and knowing exactly where the bathrooms are right away
  • Soft toilet paper. ‘Nuff said.
  • Using your own bathroom
  • When the plunger actually does its job and everything eventually flushes
  • Getting a 20-second hug from a loved one
  • Hearing the words “everything will be alright”
  • Being able to suppress a ‘CODE – BROWN’ for just a little longer

BONUS: Getting a video of yourself while the anesthesia wears off!

Celebrate Your Journey

If you really think about it, you actually have a lot going for you. When it seems like you just can’t win, try to remember all of the times you actually have won the day and just didn’t recognize it. You are a strong soul – you wouldn’t still be here if you weren’t! “Life can move a bit fast. If you don’t stop to look around every once in a while, you could miss it” (Ferris Bueller 1986).

You have survived 100% of your worst days so far. Statistically speaking, the pattern is extremely likely to continue in your favor. Celebrate your journey, how far you’ve come, and where you’re going!

In case I don’t see ya, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Goodnight,

Jake