Celebrating Small Wins

I once saw a video on TikTok where an African woman named Gold Chinyere Ike was celebrated by her entire community simply for boarding an airplane for the first time. She was the first woman from their neighborhood to fly, and her achievement was honored with a tarpaulin featuring her photo—a reminder of how significant that moment was to them all. It wasn’t just about the flight; it was about breaking barriers, about proving that dreams, no matter how small, are always worth chasing.

In a world that often glorifies big achievements—graduations, promotions, business launches—it’s easy to overlook the smaller victories that shape our journey. But here’s the truth: every win, no matter the size, deserves to be celebrated.

For some, boarding a plane for the first time is a milestone. The thrill of sitting by the window, watching the world shrink below, is more than just a trip—it’s a dream finally realized after years of saving up, planning, and waiting.

For others, dining at Jollibee or sipping coffee at McDonald's isn't just about eating fast food—it’s about experiencing something they once saw as out of reach. Maybe it took weeks of budgeting, resisting unnecessary expenses, or working extra hours just to afford that simple joy.

Even buying essentials at Watsons, no matter how inexpensive, carries meaning. It could be someone’s first self-care purchase, a reward for finally prioritizing themselves after putting others first for so long.

Someone with no prior work experience finally landing their first job after numerous attempts to apply to different companies. Imagine the countless hours spent preparing resumes, attending interviews, facing rejections, and wondering if they would ever get an opportunity. Then, one day, the phone rings—a job offer. That first step into the workforce, that validation of their perseverance, is a victory worth celebrating.

One story that stands out is that of a Filipino garbage collector who patiently saved every coin he earned for an entire year. His goal? To buy a ₱2,000 Android phone. When he finally held that phone in his hands, his joy was indescribable. It wasn’t just about owning a device—it was proof of his perseverance, a tangible reminder that his hard work paid off.

And when we think about it, haven’t we all started from small, simple dreams? As children, we once longed for the simplest toy, believing it would bring us happiness. Looking back now, it might seem insignificant, but at that time, it was everything. It was proof that joy can come from the simplest things—proof that a small dream, once fulfilled, can feel just as big as any major achievement.

We don’t always see the struggle behind someone’s happiness. We don’t know how long they fought for that moment, how many sacrifices they made, how many times they doubted they’d ever get there. That’s why celebrating small wins isn’t about trivializing them—it’s about recognizing that progress looks different for everyone.

And if you know someone—a friend, a loved one—who is celebrating a small win, don't mock them, be happy for them. A simple "Congratulations!" or "I’m proud of you!" can mean the world to someone who worked hard for their moment. Let’s lift each other up instead of mocking or downplaying their joy, because no victory is too small when it comes from determination.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step worth honoring.