Small Victories

Hi again, everyone! Well, I have officially begun my last semester of college! (Ahhh! It's so crazy and hard to believe!) I may be MIA a lot more just because my schedule is super hectic and jammed packed. I'm determined to finish strong and I know I will somehow make it through another tough semester.

As some of you may know, I recently underwent shoulder surgery. Recovery has been going very smoothly thus far and I'm keeping my fingers crossed as healing continues. I'm still very restricted in what I am allowed and not allowed to do. The doctor is very cautious and wants me to stay away from too much movement just in case something not-so-awesome happens.

The other day, I managed to pull my hair into a loose and low ponytail. It took a lot of attempts and in the end it was far from perfect, but I was able to do it. It took me four weeks to be able to lift my arm high enough to do a low ponytail and there was something so neat about finally being able to do what would otherwise seem as a super easy task.

Surgery is tough. However, I realized just how much I take advantage of the days I am feeling well. I would have never ever thought a ponytail would become a huge reason to celebrate. During the recovery/healing process, it's really easy to only focus on what you can't do. The limitations often feel so disheartening and there are points where you can feel so frustrated. I think that ponytail represents so much more than just a hairstyle. It reminded me that it's so important to celebrate the tiny victories that happen along the way. Sure, my shoulder doesn't feel 100% amazing and I still can't do certain tasks, but I can do a low ponytail and I'm still able to get around.

Life is never as terrible as it may seem. I'm not saying ignore your feelings and emotions. They are very crucial elements of who you are and they're worth paying attention to. But I just want to challenge you all (and myself) to find ways to notice those small victories that happen every single day. Even if it's as simple as a ponytail...

XOXO
Chloe