Celebrate the small stuff

I went out for a bike ride followed by a run this morning. After finishing my 1+ mile run, my activity band sent me a medal. It said, "Best Mile!" I looked at the 14:27 minute mile and thought, "lots of people can do that walking." Then I thought of how fast I used to be. But then I thought about my last short run of a couple of miles and I had received the same notification upon finishing. I decided to sabotage my thoughts instead of letting them derail me.

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Progress is Progress

 Instead of bemoaning where I used to be as a runner/athlete, I decided to celebrate the trend of improvement. I am feeling good, going slow, back out there, and making plans for races in the future. Those are all good. It can be so easy to let negative thoughts side track our progress. Well, not today!

The whole premise behind Every Step's A Victory is that every single step taken in the right direction is progress. And that is to be celebrated. In the image, both of these warriors are victorious because they both continue to take steps!

Celebrate the Jots and Tittles

We live in uncertain times and stress levels are higher than normal. Even stuff we can't verbalize can be eating away out our mental and physical health. It can be difficult to stick with an eating plan, exercise regimen, or remember to drink plenty of water. Don't get sucked into the vacuum of defeat during these difficult days.

Instead of worrying or obsessing about all you cannot do, enjoy what you do. Rather than browbeating yourself for not eating right or not exercising enough, celebrate every step you take in the right direction. Find something to congratulate yourself on. For me, today it's two back-to-back "best" miles. If I drink plenty of water today that's another win. Progress may be getting out the door for a walk around the block - celebrate that block as if it was a marathon because it may have taken everything you had to get out there and conquer it.

Focus on your wins during this season - no matter how large or small. Give yourself credit for any progress you make, whatever that looks like for you. You've got this!

Let's Do This!

During this pandemic, it can be difficult to manage emotions, finances, and relationships. Please do not do it alone. If you need to talk to someone, please contact me. You do not have to face this alone. And I will not charge for it!