If you go to your iPhone "maps" app and type in "Nowhere", I'll be smack dab in the middle. Currently in the middle of nowhere North Carolina. I was expecting to be out here for one night as support while Bravo unit test fires their rockets on the HIMARS. That somehow turned into a 3-day event smh. So I packed food (snacks) enough for a day and a half tops. NOWHERE close to 3 days. So while you are enjoying your nice, comfy bed. Flat screen tv. Steak out delivery. Wifi connected cellular device. I'm in 25 degree weather. Sleeping in the back of a truck. 4 layers of clothing. 3 cold meals a day. No entertainment. Environment. I just measured my "bed" and it is the width of my hands one on top of the other. Not wide enough for my back nor chest, both of my hips are giving me every word of the dictionary lol. They'll be fine. I haven't lied yet. Which brings me to this post's topic. "#SmallVictories"
I originally got the phrase from one of my favorite musical groups, Fly Union. Though the group has disbanded I still carry the phrase with me in my mind. On my sleeve. Vocally. "Small Victories". There are two parts to these two simple words with each taking little to no effort. The only thing required from you is to believe in yourself whole heartedly. Without that, they are just 13 letters of the alphabet strategically placed together sounding out two words. This is how I apply the phrase to my life...
Everyone accomplishes something during their course of the day or week. Whether it's a test at school, handling situations at work, or getting the baby to sleep at a decent hour we all go through something. We all accomplish a goal. I find it very important to celebrate those wins. Those are wins. They are small victories. Knocking down barriers. Those are wins. Doing the unthinkable. Win. Accomplishing what they said you couldn't. Win. Celebrate those wins. You deserve it. I have researched that people in today's society are sad. Naturally. Just everyday sad. Lack of friends. Lack of motivation. Lack of support. They have good news but no one to share it with. I've found myself in that position multiple times. Did something great, who do I call? Oh, no one to call. If that's you I want to be the one to tell you, you don't need anyone. Celebrate your wins! Even if it's just you. People are so shady in this day and age that they don't even want to hear your good news. They didn't do it. Didn't happen to them, why should they care? It's so hard to get any type of recognition here in the army. You must be aware that you don't need any one else's validation to tell you that you are doing well. You work every day working towards God's satisfaction, not man. And if you are rewarded with another day above soil, you have been granted the opportunity to do better than the day before. Celebrate your wins. Yes they matter.
Soundtrack: "Hard Sell" by Fly Union