Small Victories
There are so many things I have never done. Coming from a sheltered upbringing, I often find myself thinking about what I haven’t yet experienced versus what I have. At the ripe young age of 26, there are so many friends, acquaintances, and social media gurus who at a similar age are traveling the world, pursuing amazing jobs, or ditching it all and living the intriguing “van life,” wandering across the country and having seemingly extraordinary experiences every day.
While in comparison, I may have an entry-level job, a tiny house that needs renovating, and don’t even have a passport, I’ve started to take note of the little victories and accomplishments that happen in my daily life. Though small, these courageous acts have made me see myself in a new light – one that features me as the star of my own life, in which I’m the confident, capable woman that I know and believe I can be.
Here is the start of my list of small victories:
Mowing the grass for the first time.
Being goofy and funny – expressing myself regardless of what others will think.
Learning how to use power tools and completing my first home project.
Trying a new recipe and having it turn out absolutely delicious.
Driving a big truck as my daily driver – AND learning how to fill the leaky tires up with air at the gas station.
The nostalgic feeling of finishing a great book.
Planting raised garden beds this spring. Researching how to take care of them and watching every day as the plants grow bigger and stronger.
Embracing the grey hairs.
Waking up early and having glorious “me” time. Eating breakfast, reading, and meditating on affirmations.
Remembering someone’s name.
Flying by myself – finding my way through the airport and getting to my destination safely.
Playing piano or guitar to a new song - very slowly - but hearing the potential.
Making the bed.
Trying a new restaurant, coffee shop, or clothing store. Trying on or purchasing something out of my comfort zone.
Attempting a new pose in my weekly yoga class and not caring if I look silly.
Saying “I love you” when I feel it.
Running one mile after not having gone for a run since in over two years.
Taking the chance to learn something new at work. Admitting that I don’t know something and asking questions.
Sharing my creative writing with the world.
Loving my body for what it is now – not for what it used to look like or for what social media tells me I should look like.
Leaving work early when I know I’m starting to feel burnt out. Setting a small boundary and celebrating that progress.
Winning a family game of croquet – to my brother and grandpa’s dismay!
Smiling and waving at neighbors when I take my evening walk.
Jotting down a note in my gratitude journal before bed.
About the Author
Anna Isabel Garrison is an author, businesswoman, and creative on a mission to find beauty in the common things of life. As a self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist,” she writes about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and loving the self. She invites you to follow her writing journey as she prepares to share her upcoming book, A Wandering Path, in January 2024. You can walk alongside her healing journey on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@annaisabelgarrison).