Small Wins, Big Results

Reclaiming Your Authentic Self

It may not seem like much to most people, but I no longer laugh at things I don’t find funny. This is a big deal for me. I used to pretend; if someone said something they thought was funny, or others laughed, I would laugh too, just to avoid attention or awkwardness. I avoided discomfort.

This is about being true to yourself. I don’t owe anyone a performance; I owe it to myself to be authentic. It’s still tough, it requires self-awareness, but it’s coming along. I hated feeling like I had to “play along” for so many years, and I now recognize it’s tied to the trauma I suffered.

Small Wins in Everyday Life

Yesterday at Home Depot, two incidents reminded me of my progress:

1. Not laughing at something I didn’t find funny
   A contractor made a light threat to an employee and started laughing. In the past, I would have joined in. This time, I looked at him with a straight face — I didn’t laugh. This was a huge win. I was being myself and not giving a shit about what others think.

2. Asking for help instead of running from it
   I needed a specific stain that wasn’t on the shelf. My first instinct was to find another store, running from the challenge. I caught myself and went back to ask if they had it in the back. The employee offered to mix it for me, and I walked out with what I needed.

These may seem small, but these are examples of healing in action. They show I’m reclaiming power over my life. I’m no longer “playing along,” I’m in control, making decisions for myself.

Recognizing Avoidance and Growth

For years, I was sleepwalking through life, avoiding discomfort:

• Pretending to laugh

• Not asking for what I needed

• Avoiding challenges or conflicts

Now, I’m more aware and actively pushing into discomfort. I’m starting to push back at work, providing feedback, and not holding it in. Each small step builds confidence and demonstrates my healing progress.

Small Challenges = Opportunities

Ask yourself:

• Do you avoid returning something to a store?

• Hesitate to make a phone call?

• Avoid asking for food to be corrected at a restaurant?

All these little challenges matter. Avoiding them is avoiding healing. Addressing them is a chance to reclaim your power and confidence.

Healing isn’t always about big dramatic changes; it’s about taking control over everyday moments and celebrating these wins. They feel amazing because they matter. It’s hard, yes, but every time you push yourself to face discomfort, you grow stronger.

Stay positive and take action!

Thank you for your support!

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