Celebrate Your Wins: You’re Doing More Than Just Surviving

Life has a funny way of piling it all on at once, doesn’t it? Between juggling responsibilities, healing from old wounds, showing up for the people we love, and just trying to keep our heads above water, it’s easy to lose sight of something really important: how far we’ve come.

Recently, a friend suggested I write this post. They reminded me that I’ve been through a lot this past year – not just the hard stuff, but the growth, the accomplishments, the moments of quiet strength. Sometimes, we need someone on the outside to point out what we’re too busy or too humble to notice ourselves.

So here I am, taking their advice – and maybe reminding you to do the same. Over the past twelve months, I’ve been reminded – sometimes gently, sometimes with a jolt – that healing and growth don’t always look like big grand gestures. Sometimes, they look like consistency. They look like courage. They look like starting over, even when your hands are still shaking from the last fall.

I started school, and despite the chaos life tried to toss my way, I’ve been averaging an A. That’s not just a letter on a paper – it’s a reflection of the late nights, the early mornings, and the resilience that runs deeper than I thought it could.

I completed multiple group therapies, including the Seeking Safety trauma group. That space held my stories, my pain, and eventually, my power. I kept going with individual counseling – choosing to unpack the hard stuff instead of letting it fester. That’s brave. That’s healing.

I finished a social services training (which just enhanced my desire to go back to school) and worked in a homeless warming center. I poured into others even while I was still piecing parts of myself back together. That’s not just work – that’s heart.

I lost weight – not for vanity, but because I started honoring my body. I began caring for myself physically. I started showing up for me. And I’m working just as hard on my mental health – recognizing when I need rest, reaching for support, and giving myself permission to be human.

I’ve been so grateful to receive such encouraging feedback from the people around me – instructors, peers, family, supervisors, and even counselors. Hearing their kind words and honest reflections has meant a lot. Whether it’s someone noticing my growth, praising my dedication, or just reminding me of the strengths I sometimes forget I have, it’s been a powerful reminder that I’m on the right path. Their support has really boosted my confidence and reminded me why I keep showing up with heart in everything I do.

And let’s not forget one of the biggest wins of all: I kept my kids alive LOL – and more than that, they’re thriving. RJ started kindergarten this year and is doing so well! Watching him grow, learn, and blossom has been one of the brightest lights in this journey. Parenting during chaos is no joke, but somehow, I’m doing it. Day by day, moment by moment.

And here’s the thing: I’ve done all this while life was still lifing. While being a parent, a student, a healer, a human. Through the chaos, the setbacks, the growth spurts, and the days when it felt like too much – I kept going.

But if I’m honest? Sometimes I still focus too much on what’s left to do, where I’ve stumbled, or what I haven’t “gotten right.” Sound familiar?

So today, I’m choosing something different. I’m choosing to celebrate the wins – the ones that don’t always get a spotlight. The ones that are quiet, gritty, and often go unnoticed. I’m choosing to be proud, not just relieved. And I want to encourage you to do the same.

“Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” — Susan Gale

Look at the last year. Look closer. See your effort. See your strength. See how you didn’t give up, even when you could have. That matters.

YOU matter. You’re not just surviving. You’re growing. You’re healing. You’re becoming.

Let’s stop only acknowledging the bruises and start celebrating the progress, too.

You deserve that. We all do.

With love,

Jenn