Both of my sons learned to ride a bike before their 4th birthday. Without a doubt, the moments I had teaching them how to ride their bikes without training wheels are some of the best moments of my life.
By taking away their training wheels they developed new independence and self confidence which could be seen a mile away. When either of my children accomplishes a goal, I am filled with joy. If you're a mom, I'm sure you can relate. It doesn't matter whether it is something they've been working on for months, or accomplished in a matter of hours. Victories big and small are something to be proud of. Now, I'm starting to see that it's important to celebrate our own personal victories too.
Since February, I've been writing about weight loss. The first month, I celebrated a huge victory of losing 10 pounds, but I haven't really been thrilled with my progress since then. Why? I've been slowly losing more weight and lost one more pound this past week. I just have to keep reminding myself that even a one pound loss is something to be proud of. Imagine if the tables were turned and it was my child's *small* accomplishment. It wouldn't be so small then, would it?
As moms, we need to celebrate each other too. This past weekend, my friend Kelly completed the 10-mile Broad Street Run, after a tremendous 89 pound weight loss over the past year. On Kelly's blog, The Turnip Farmer, you can watch the video of her near the finish line and listen to the sounds of her husband and daughter cheering her on. Hearing her daughter on the video was especially touching. Not only did Kelly reach the finish line, but she's an inspiration to her family, myself and others.
Maybe you're like me, and walked 10 miles in a week, or like Kelly, and ran 10 miles in one morning. Whichever one you are, celebrate your personal victories big and small, just like you would for your child. You earned it.
"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big,not realizing that life is made up of little things."
- Frank Clark