originally posted on 18-04-2016 9:59 PM

What even is a ‘little thing?’ Well, it seems to depend on how we are feeling and thinking. Chores, hygiene, uni work and exercise could be little victories when you feel like everything is too much. Sometimes it’s hard to even see them as accomplishments, especially when you’re so used to celebrating bigger achievements!

It’s not a difficult mindset to fall into though – big achievements seem so much better to celebrate, especially since others also want to celebrate them with you. How many people would congratulate you over getting out of bed or doing laundry? In that kind of mindset, it can also be really easy for us to be unkind to ourselves, and easy to forget that one failed goal is not the end of the world

Remembering small victories can combat that mindset, by reminding us that we’re making it through each day. They are reminders that we’ve come so far already, and that we deserve to be kind to ourselves. They can also be motivating, and help you appreciate the journey. Creating this mindset isn’t always easy, especially when you’re used to big achievements, but having a little celebration when you have a little victory (like an impromptu chocolate break) can really drive home the importance of celebrating the little things

You might be thinking: but isn’t it kind of selfish and self-centred to celebrate small victories? To which we say HELL NO, it’s anything but! Celebrating small victories is a type of self-validation, and reminds us that even when we’re low on energy or motivation (i.e. spoons), we managed to achieve something. Just because it isn’t a huge achievement, doesn’t mean it is easy or effortless

So then reminding ourselves of our own victories can change our perspective to a more positive, self-loving and self-affirming one, and could even make us happier! It can also make you more resilient, as you realise the importance of caring yourself in this way when things get tough. Neglecting this kind of self-care can have the opposite effect – you can become very self-critical, and you might even work yourself into a bad physical or mental state trying to get to those big goals. You might get caught up in trying to be someone else for other people, and not be true to yourself or considerate of your needs.

So then how do we stop ourselves from going to that difficult, critical place? It can take some perspective-changing, and reminders to celebrate those little victories. It can be tough, especially when you’re already feeling pretty low, but there are plenty of strategies. Write sticky note reminders, or take a moment to look back on everything you’ve already achieved. Basically, try anything that helps you affirm your achievements in a positive way! You could even celebrate your achievements with a little treat, like some yummy food, a nice nap or just a few kind words to yourself.

This is all well and good, but what about celebrating small wins on the forums? Well, we have an entire thread dedicated to it, and it’s right here!!! We also have this thread where you can celebrate what you’re proud of! You can also join in on celebrating others’ achievements, because forum parties are the best parties!!

Thanks so much to everyone for coming out, and especially to @ClCl and @Ben-RO for their awesome help!! Hope you guys enjoyed this session as much as I did, and hope you all have a great night