Sometimes, progress doesn’t look or feel like much—but every little step matters.
I’m just five days out from my second hip replacement and nearly nine weeks into recovery from my first. I’m still very much in healing mode, and it’s a humbling journey. For me, recovery has been about celebrating the smallest victories—standing a little straighter, walking a little farther, or simply managing the pain better today than I did yesterday. These aren’t grand milestones, but each one reminds me that forward is forward.
My Grandpa John would’ve appreciated this approach. At 95, after driving his Prius from Florida to Nova Scotia, he didn’t focus on the monumental achievement of completing such a trip. Instead, he celebrated the little moments—the new places he saw, the interesting people he met, and the fact that he had the opportunity to experience something new. “It’s not about the destination—it’s about appreciating every mile along the way,” he told me.
Recovery has shown me the truth of his words. The smallest victories build momentum. They give you confidence and remind you that progress happens step by step.
In “100 Pieces of Advice from 100-Year-Olds”, one centenarian shares, “Celebrate the small things—they’re the ones that keep you moving forward.” This perspective has been a lifeline for me during recovery. Small steps, when added up, lead to big changes.
Strength isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of consistent, deliberate actions that compound over time.
For me, this has been most tangible on the mats. While life has been my greatest teacher, the mats—especially in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu environment—are where those life lessons take form. The mats bring principles like resilience, patience, and focus to life in a way that’s tangible. Every attempt to refine a technique, every moment of grappling, and every small breakthrough reflects the bigger journey of strength and growth.
This truth is echoed in “Timeless Wisdom”, where an elder reflects, “It’s not just about reaching your goals—it’s about appreciating the steps that get you there.” That’s what I’ve experienced in recovery and what the mats continually remind me—progress isn’t in the big leaps; it’s in the little steps we take every day.
As I prepare to return to martial arts training and teaching in January 2025, I hold onto this perspective tightly. Right now, every stretch, every walk, and every moment of regained strength is a win. These small victories—while seemingly insignificant—are what enable me to rebuild and return stronger.
Grandpa John’s life was a testament to this mindset. He didn’t only celebrate life’s big accomplishments; he embraced the everyday moments that made them possible. Whether it was trying something new, driving just a little farther, or sharing a meaningful conversation, he understood that life is built on small, meaningful steps.
So, I ask you: What small victories can you celebrate today?
It might be something as simple as completing a task you’ve been avoiding, taking a step toward a goal, or just showing up for yourself. Whatever it is, acknowledge it. Those moments aren’t just steps on the journey—they are the journey.
The big milestones will come, but they’ll be built on today’s small victories. Celebrate those steps. They’re the quiet strength that will carry you forward.
