In the early days of my recovery, even the simplest tasks felt overwhelming. Things like getting out of bed, brushing my teeth, or returning a phone call seemed like climbing a mountain. I used to beat myself up over it—wondering why I couldn’t just “get it together.” But over time, I started to realize something: those tiny actions were victories. And they mattered more than I thought.
I remember the first time I ever made my bed and didn’t feel like a total mess. It was far from perfect, but I did it. I felt just a little bit more in control that day. More capable. I think that feeling is what gave me enough draw to go to a support meeting the next day.
These I call small wins, and, from my experience, it is for these that recovery rests. No one sees them other than you. No applause will be given, nor stars ever awarded. But these are the silent testimonies of your life changing.
Here are a few small wins that still mean a lot to me:
- Calling a friend when I wanted to isolate
- Eating a real meal instead of skipping it
- Saying “no” when my gut told me to
- Writing a gratitude list on a bad day
- Taking five minutes to breathe instead of reacting
These might sound simple, but they are immensely powerful for people just like us. They remind us that we can choose better, even when it is hard. If you are traveling in this journey, I want to let you know that it is okay if today’s victory is just drinking some water or showing up. That’s worthy enough to be completed. These little moments accumulate. They create trust with you. And in time, they become a strong base for genuine and lasting recovery.
So, whatever your win is today, celebrate it. You’re doing better than you think.
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4 Comments
Deepa, it is such a pleasure watching you grow each week
with your blogs. I’ve been sober since 1980 but so little has changed in the basics. Please keep those blogs coming!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your words truly uplift me, and knowing that someone with such a rich journey in recovery finds value in my writing means everything. I’m deeply grateful for your encouragement—it keeps me going and growing. I’ll keep showing up with more. 💖
This is so beautifully said—every word resonates deeply. In early recovery, even lifting a finger can feel like lifting a boulder, and it’s easy to overlook the quiet strength behind those small steps. Thank you for reminding us that real progress often happens in the smallest, most personal victories. Your words offer hope and validation to so many. 💛
Thank you so much for this heartfelt response. It means a lot to know the message resonated with you. Recovery truly is built on those quiet, powerful moments that often go unseen. Grateful we can share this understanding together.