A Small Victory with Big Meaning
I never thought I would feel proud for walking five minutes down the road for a cappuccino. For someone living with Long COVID, even a short outing can be monumental, especially with fatigue, breathlessness, and the ever-present risk of post exertional malaise and brain fog. A cappuccino in the sun something most people take for granted became my little victory today.
It wasn’t just about the cappuccino; it was about glimpsing a bit of normalcy, a tiny pleasure, despite the symptoms that make even simple tasks a challenge.
When Simple Tasks Feel Like Mountains
A few years ago, even imagining this simple outing would have been impossible. I was almost completely bed-bound, with energy that vanished after the smallest tasks, and days marked by constant fatigue, brain fog, and limited mobility. Long COVID has transformed how I view success and self care. Today, that short walk felt like climbing a mountain except instead of reaching the summit, I reached a warm cappuccino. And yes, I celebrated it like the big deal it was.
Redefining Success and Self Care
For anyone living with Long COVID or chronic illness, you know that feeling. Once, I would have gone for a walk, grabbed coffee, and gone about my day without even thinking about it. But now? Now it is a major accomplishment, and it comes with a mix of emotions: pride, joy, a bit of sadness, and some guilt. There is always the question of whether this moment of happiness will come at the cost of extra fatigue later. It is an emotional balancing act, choosing self care when you know there might be consequences.
Living with Long COVID teaches us to redefine success and resilience. Before, I didn’t exactly feel proud for making my own tea, putting on pajamas, or taking a shower. But now, every small step forward matters. These aren’t just ordinary tasks; they’re benchmarks of progress in a life changed by chronic illness. And I believe they deserve recognition.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
Here’s something I wish everyone with Long COVID knew: it is okay to celebrate your small victories. Whether it’s making it outside for coffee, taking a brief walk, or just being out in the sunlight, these moments of normalcy are worth it. So many of us have been taught to celebrate only big achievements—a new job, a vacation, a fitness goal but with chronic illness, sometimes just getting out of bed is an achievement in itself. And if you feel proud? Good. You should be.
Yes, there may be consequences. There might be more fatigue tomorrow, or you might need to rest for the day. But these moments are worth something a reminder that joy and self care are still part of life, even if they look different now.
So here’s to us the ones who celebrate the wins that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram post. To everyone who carefully paced and found a glimpse of normality through the fatigue, the brain fog, the breathlessness, and the uncertainty just to find a bit of happiness in the day. These are our victories, and no one can take them from us. Every walk to grab a cappuccino, every moment of sunlight on our faces, every tiny victory we have earned them all.
Drop a comment or send me a message let’s lift each other up and find joy in these everyday victories.
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your health needs. If you experience severe Post Exertional Malaise PEM, do not push yourself beyond your current capabilities until you have a stable baseline.
Related topics
Fatigue and Energy Management · Long COVID The Real Invisible Challenge · Brain Fog and Cognition · Post Exertional Malaise Tips
Long Covid Journey 