"Here are some day-in-the-life occurrences
that have helped me believe I’m the strong
woman Oprah tells me I am."
ANYTIME I WEAR REAL CLOTHES
This isn't a specific instance, but every time I
don’t wear sweatpants is a Citizen Kane of
small victories. I feel this doesn’t need much
explanation because I know it’s universal truth
that changing from fleece to denim is akin to
being stabbed by thousands of tiny
metaphorical knives. Anyone that puts
themselves through that is a true hero. I
usually blast Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” for
an instant morale boost, and ignore the side
eye glances I get on the sidewalk.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
I’ve been known to give people near heartattacks when they drive with me, so it
probably wasn't the smartest idea to move to
a city with 6 lane freeways that I’m just
supposed to be chill with. Born and raised in
the midwest, avoiding confrontation has been
engrained in me forever, even if that meant my
horn was barely used and a semi was maybe
going to drive me off of the road. So when a
freshly waxed Tesla thought they could edge
between my Ohio-plated Honda, they weren’t
expecting to meet the reverberating tones of
my horn that bellowing throughout the town,
alerting everyone that I have staked my claim
in this city (bonus: I think this has helped me
assert confidence in my real life! Meta victory!).
Maybe (definitely) I’m dramatic, but prepping
for the gym consists of me either whining to no
one, or sitting in silence as “Losing My Religion”
plays in the background. After I’m done
wallowing, I go to kickboxing, casually kick ass
(read: not leaving early), and feel really great
about being productive. I smile and nod at the
toned adults I pass in the parking lot, because
we are basically one in the same.
USING REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS
This may seem like the smallest small victory of
them all, but using reusable bags at the grocery
store means I actually remembered to do
something impactful.
I bought about seven of these bags at the
beginning of my journey into adulthood, not
realizing that being in control of your life is
having to remember 30 things at once. So
naturally, I would leave the store with my
groceries packed in paper bags, all while
gawking at the real life people who
remembered to be environmentally friendly.
GOING TO THE GYM
So when the bagging assistant at Trader Joe’s
started to place my Peanut Butter Panda Puff
cereal into one of their bags, you can imagine
my enthusiasm when I exclaimed “I have my
own bags!” The exclamation was followed by a
weird loud cackle that everyone ignored, but I
didn’t even care how it came out. Having my
reusable bags ready meant that I only needed to
remember 29 new things instead of 30! One
step closer to being a human being.
I got a gym membership this year, and for
someone who has been dubbed as “the
personification of a sloth,” this is a huge deal.
Some people must enjoy putting themselves
through the sweat-infested hell hole, but for me
working out gives me the same amount of joy as
dealing with cockroaches.
This list may seem like a nonsensical and
completely inane humble brag, but this mindset
is how I’ve gotten through the past year.
Counting small victories can be empowering
and life-affirming, and leads to even more
bigger victories. So alas, I give a mental high-five
to everyone figuring out their 20’s, and beyond.//