A number of months ago I felt weighed down, my mind focusing on all of the things I used to be able to do that I could not do any longer. I found myself especially upset at the end of the day, and would even wake up in the middle of the night filled with anxiety. It was during this period of time that one evening my husband looked at me and told me he thought I needed to take a few minutes each night, to reflect on what I was able to do that day, and write down a list of what I did accomplish that day. I agreed that something had to change. I had to change. We immediately started our “My Victories Today!” lists. Each night before bed, we would both take a few minutes, reflect on our day, write our victories list, and share them with each other.
At first, my victories were things like “got out of bed” and “took a shower.” Even celebrating those victories that some people may take for granted or may laugh at, made me feel proud, because I knew what it took for me to get out of bed that day, and what it took for me to take a shower that day. I realized I should celebrate! For me, at that moment in time, getting out of bed and taking a shower felt similar to participating in a marathon. I should know, I completed the Los Angeles Marathon and the Long Beach Marathon years ago.
Fast forward to today, a number of months later, my husband and I still record our victories each night, and share them with each other. We are careful to not compare our lists, but to simply celebrate together and support one another. It is one of my favorite parts of each day. As I’ve grown stronger over the last number of months, my victories list has grown. I am grateful for each victory each day, and I celebrate each one. Some days my lists are longer than others, some days my lists are more impressive than others, but each and every day I accomplish personal victories that I am proud of and celebrate. No matter how I feel on a particular day, there are always victories of some kind. This daily habit has also helped me focus on what is most important in my life: my faith, my family, my loved ones, and taking care of myself so I can heal and be the woman, wife, and mother God would have me be.
Celebrating my victories each evening before bed has helped me in my daily struggles of living with an autoimmune disease. Whatever your victories are each day, I encourage you to record them each evening, and celebrate them. Celebrate YOU and what you achieved.
“Don’t count the days; make the days count.”
-Muhammad Ali
“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
-John Wooden
“We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”
-Carlos Cataneda
I’ve shared a little of how celebrating victories, big and small, has blessed my life. I would love to hear if and how you celebrate your victories! If you are open to sharing, please comment and share how recognizing your achievements helps you in your life with an autoimmune disease, and your wellness journey.
