Little Victories (or, How I Learned to Illuminate My Own Day)

I am acutely aware of my procrastination. Responsibilities, assignments, and unread emails linger at the edges of my mind, growing bolder with every moment I ignore them. Today, like most days, I find myself pushing them aside. Perhaps I’m avoiding stress, or maybe I’m subconsciously trying to delay outcomes that I fear. Deep down, I think I prefer the soft comfort of possibility, where nothing has gone awry and everything remains open-ended. Sometimes, I convince myself, “If I just don’t start, nothing can go wrong.” And so, here I am, another day chasing that fleeting jolt of dopamine, as if my life depends on it. In some ways, maybe it does.

To sidestep my duties, I’ve discovered solace in the lost art of illumination. Not the metaphysical kind, though perhaps it is, in a way. Like the Irish monks painstakingly illuminating the Book of Kells, I immerse myself in coloring intricate cards adorned with Bible verses and swirling patterns, patiently waiting for color. As I hover over blank spaces with my colored pencils, the possibilities feel endless and gentle. I obsess over the details, blending the perfect ombre here, adding a realistic highlight there. This task demands my focus but not my anxiety, a space where my inner critic quiets, allowing me to simply be.

These cards may not replace my actual responsibilities, and at times, they feel more arduous (taking hours to complete just one). Yet, the payoff, the fleeting moment of accomplishment, is addictively sweet. I savor the quiet satisfaction as the last color finds its place. It’s a small win, a subtle kind of productivity in the face of everything else I should be doing.

Lately, I’ve begun to honor these small victories. I look forward to my next cup of tea (paired with a warm dinner roll, if I’m lucky) or the thrill of waking up before my alarm to steal a moment of quiet morning. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making it to the dining hall at my preferred time or crossing off a solitary item from my to-do list. These aren’t grand triumphs, they don’t garner applause, but they matter. In a world that constantly pushes us to hustle, conquer, and do more, I’m learning to cherish the gentle wins that brighten each day.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, lost, or burdened by the weight of your “real” goals, let this be your reminder: the little victories matter. They accumulate and keep us going. Sometimes, illuminating just one small card can brighten an entire day. So here’s to you and to every small win you claim, quietly, stubbornly, beautifully, one day at a time.

What’s a small victory you’ve celebrated lately? I’d love to hear yours. No win is too tiny!

Yours truly,

Pocket Dream Curator