I Just Need a "Win"

That was the phrase used by a man sitting next to me. He threw it out onto the table like you'd throw change on the nightstand and it seemed simple enough .. But simple often escapes me.

Those five little words hit me like lightening.

Sometimes, if I'm listening carefully, folks in my life say the most amazing things. It's that magical moment when someone puts words to the feelings in my heart and the discord in my soul that I had not been previously able to express or define on my own.

Sometimes words crash into me and wash over me like water. Words are powerful powerful things.
Words change the universe.
Words shift me on my axis.

"I just need a win"

What I think he meant is that sometimes the weight of life, choices, struggles, healing, change etc become so overwhelming that one feels buried and challenged beyond our capabilities and energy. Sometimes we just need the slightest glimmer of hope and success to push one - sometimes only one - foot in front of the other. It doesn't have to be big. We just need ONE damn thing to fall into place . And that's enough to hope that the next moment will be worth surviving the last.

He made his bed.
I thought it was brilliant.

In that moment it was the only effort he could muster and took all the energy he could summon.
But he did it.
And it changed the course of his entire day. In my book that's a resounding success.

My mother used to say to me that we should celebrate all successes no matter how large or small. It has been proven so true and necessary in my life that I've made it a mantra.

I absolutely need small wins throughout my day. I need them to feel valid and capable and in motion. Unfortunately, I'm often so focused on the big payoff that I forget to honor my small victories.

I had the privilege to share the story of that man today and I was present to celebrate a dear friends small, yet incredibly poignant, "win" today. I was so happy for her happiness.

Better still, I got to remember that little life lesson and take a whole second to look out for and seize my daily win. I'm human and I forget things all the time.

I had a couple. Maybe even a few.

I made it to work with no tv remote control in my car.
I got to share a sweet life lesson with someone who needed it more than I.
I had chocolate on the ready for those enduring yet another conference call.
I hugged and congratulated a client who had worked so hard for her own "win"
I got a RIDICULOUSLY good BLT with a fried egg for dinner.

And tomorrow I'm going to make my bed.
I'm hoping that's the start of an all-green-light day.