“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up. Even if all you do is breathe.” — Unknown
Let’s be real: life lately has felt like trying to run a marathon through wet cement. In flip-flops. While holding a cactus.
If you’ve been feeling like the world is spinning too fast and you’re just trying to hold on without spilling your tea (or tears), this post is for you.
I haven’t been okay. Not in the “I need help right this second” kind of way, but in the quiet, gray, “what even is the point of any of this” kind of way. Getting out of bed is hard. Brushing my teeth feels like an Olympic event. But somehow, I’m still here, and if you’re reading this, you are too. That counts.
So in celebration of surviving when thriving feels a million miles away, I present:
10 Small Wins That Deserve a Trophy (Or At Least a Nap)
1. Got out of bed before 2 p.m.
Was it to pee? Possibly. Did I consider crawling back into bed? Absolutely. But I stood up. That counts.
2. Opened a window.
Fresh air entered my home and immediately judged me for the state of things. The plants looked shocked. I swear one of them whispered, “She lives.”
3. Drank water instead of just coffee or existential dread.
Was it room temperature and in a chipped mug? Yes. But I hydrated, and somewhere, my kidneys applauded.
4. Texted a friend back (after only 6–10 business days).
Social interaction is hard. Especially when your brain is hosting a 24/7 overthinking party. But I replied. Eventually.
5. Looked at my to-do list and didn’t immediately burst into flames.
Sure, I did none of the things, but I acknowledged the list. That’s emotional progress.
6. Didn’t throw my phone when someone said “Just be positive!”
Instead, I smiled politely and imagined drop-kicking a glittery motivational poster. Growth.
7. Stared at the ceiling dramatically, but in a literary way.
This wasn’t despair, it was… character development. I’m method acting as the tragic heroine in my own life.
8. Ate something that wasn’t just toast.
It was cereal. Out of a mug. Because bowls are too far away. But still—a nutritional choice was made.
9. Took a shower and remembered what skin feels like.
Bonus points: clean pajamas. Double bonus: I didn’t immediately go back to bed.
10. Wrote this post. Which means I’m still here.
And that, honestly, is the biggest win of all.
If you’re struggling too, you’re not alone.
Some days survival looks like spreadsheets and spin class. Other days, it looks like crying in the shower and managing to eat three crackers. Both are valid. Both are human.
We’re all just trying to make it through the fog, one quiet miracle at a time. Thanks for walking with me.
With love,
Sanela
Author Sanela Ramic Jurich
While I can’t share all the details just yet, I can say this—there are incredible things on the horizon. It’s a strange and wonderful feeling to hold a piece of good news close, knowing it will soon unfold into something even more meaningful. For now, let’s just say that 2025 has already surprised me in the best way, and I can’t wait to see where this year takes me.
