The Power of Small Wins
Years ago, Glennon Doyle taught me that sometimes the best thing we can do is focus on taking the next right step. Just one step at a time, until we find our way. Whether facing a life-changing tragedy or simply one bad day, this approach applies to navigating challenges that are bound to happen in our lives.
When my son began his recovery from a severe car accident last August, one of the first things we were told by the palliative care team was that recovery from a traumatic brain injury is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions—at times dragging you down to the lowest depths, while other moments feel like you're floating through the clouds. I quickly learned that they couldn’t have been more right. The trauma ICUs across the world are filled with both the greatest of joys and the deepest of sorrows. I lived there for nearly four weeks and can share countless examples of the emotional whiplash that families endure during similar experiences.
As I shared Luke’s recovery in real time, an incredible community of thousands of people came alongside us to encourage, pray, and witness each small step of his miraculous journey. What became clear to so many of us is that big miracles often stem from many small victories, coming together over time to tell a larger-than-life story of healing and resilience.
One example from our family’s experience was when Luke’s eyes first opened after being in a coma for 13 days. Due to the severity of his brain injury and subsequent strokes, he was placed under heavy sedation until doctors were certain his brain pressure wouldn’t move into a high-risk range. It took nearly two weeks for him to be safely weaned off the sedation medication, and his physicians prepared us for the possibility that he might remain in the coma for weeks, months, or even years. But within moments of stopping all sedation medication for the first time since the early days of his recovery, Luke’s eyes opened. This wasn’t what anyone expected, and the joy and positive energy that flooded the TICU floor when the news of Luke’s progress spread throughout his medical team is something I’ll never forget.
We waited so long for what seemed like a small thing, but seeing my son’s eyes open for the first time in nearly two weeks left an indelible mark on me. Little did I know, this would be just one of many small moments that, over time, would add up to one overwhelming miracle—one that has changed the lives of countless people.
The Foundation of Recovery: Small Wins Add Up
Once Luke’s eyes opened, we weren’t sure what to expect. His trauma team had prepared us to wait two to three weeks before we’d even see that initial sign of life. So, we quickly realized there was no playbook for Luke’s recovery. We would have to take it moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.
Within 24 hours, Luke began tracking movement with his eyes. And within the next 24 hours, he recognized me for the first time. I hope I never forget the flash of surprise and recognition on Luke’s face after weeks of being in a coma and unresponsive. At that moment, I knew that while the road ahead would be long, this small victory was an undeniable sign of progress.
As Luke continued to make small but monumental strides every day, our hope for his recovery grew. Along with that hope came a sense of peace about his progress, knowing that each small step was part of a larger picture—one that we couldn’t see in its entirety yet, but could trust was unfolding right before us.
Small Wins Build Hope and Momentum
In those early days, it felt like every moment of progress, no matter how small, was a victory to be celebrated. It wasn’t about waiting for the big breakthroughs; it was about recognizing and honoring each little sign of life, each tiny movement, as part of the process. Every step forward, even if it seemed insignificant at the time, was a reminder that healing was happening.
One of the things that became clear to us as we moved through those initial days was that small wins, over time, create momentum. What seemed like small, almost unnoticeable steps in the beginning gradually built on each other to form a foundation for recovery. Every day, Luke’s eyes would track further, his responses became more intentional, his movements more purposeful. It was as though his body and mind were working together to rebuild what had been lost, and with each small win, we built more trust in the process.
I started to notice that the more we celebrated these small victories, the more we were able to stay focused on the bigger picture. Each step, no matter how small, was still a step forward. As we began to see these small wins pile up, we couldn’t help but be reminded again that recovery is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. And marathons are made of many smaller, incremental steps toward a goal that we can’t yet see.
Celebrating the small wins also kept our spirits up during the difficult times. The emotional whiplash that came with recovery—moments of progress followed by unexpected setbacks—was often tough to navigate. But each small step forward gave us the strength to keep going, to keep believing, even when things didn’t look very hopeful.
The Power of Recognizing Small Wins
What I learned through this process is that small wins are more than just progress; they are lifelines. They keep you going when everything else seems uncertain. They remind you that even though the road ahead may be long, every step you take—no matter how small—is a step closer to healing and wholeness. And in that space, hope thrives.
As Luke’s recovery unfolded, I also saw that this principle wasn’t just true for his healing. It applies to every aspect of life. Whether it’s a physical recovery, healing emotional or mental wounds, or even striving toward a goal you’ve set for yourself, small wins play a crucial role in sustaining momentum and providing a sense of accomplishment. It’s easy to get caught up in the big goals or the end result, but if we fail to acknowledge the small victories along the way, we miss out on the everyday moments that truly make the journey worthwhile.
For Luke, the small wins added up to something far bigger than we could have imagined. Each tiny victory, like him blinking in response or recognizing my face, was a sign of his resilience, and they built the foundation for the miraculous recovery that followed.
So, while the path of recovery—or any journey—may feel daunting, remember that big miracles are built on small wins. Every little step counts. As you face your own challenges, take time to recognize and celebrate the small victories in your life. These wins are the foundation that will support you as you move toward something greater. Keep taking it one step at a time, and trust that those small steps will eventually lead to something life-changing.
Have you experienced a small victory that made a big difference in your journey? Share your story in the comments or on social media, and let’s celebrate the power of small wins together. Remember, no step is too small to count. If you’re feeling inspired, subscribe to "The Love Letter" for more stories and encouragement on recognizing and celebrating every step forward in your own recovery and growth.
Keep shining,
