Recently in my yoga practice I have been listening to lessons on progress. The overall message had me focusing on my accomplishments rather than my failures as a beginner yogini.

Sometimes as a military spouse it is hard to focus on MY accomplishments. Case in point, my spouse has received several awards of which I am very proud and lovingly hang on a wall in our home. I love showcasing the recognition for his work. On the other hand, I don’t get awards to hang on the wall for my accomplishments. Knowing that I have recently taken important strides in improving my health and coping with military life, I’ve started making a list of my achievements so they can feel more tangible.

Here is a simple list of things that at first I couldn’t do, can do now, and what I hope to do in the future. This is a great way to set goals, track progress, and be proud of all that you accomplished. It doesn’t matter how small the obstacle is, be proud of yourself for overcoming it. Start tracking your awesomeness!

Couldn’t Do

Yoga

• Hold strength poses like Downward Facing Dog, Plank, and Warrior I for more than one breath.
• Lift my legs up to the wall for Headstand.
• Press myself up into Wheel Pose (I mean I couldn’t even lift my head off the mat).

Cook

• Find healthy alternatives to my favorite meals like pizza or sweet potatoes.
• Didn’t know how to properly use olive oil.
• If I didn’t know what it was I didn’t think about cooking it.
   

Move

• Contact the necessary program on post to ask the appropriate moving questions.
• Ask friends for advice or favors when moving to help relieve stress.
• Know that everything will be okay in the end.
    

Can Do

Yoga

• Hold poses by concentrating on my breathing.
• Kick up my feet onto a wall unassisted for Handstand and hold for three breaths.
• More confident in Forearm Balances using only minor assistance.
• Feel stronger and more confident in my practice.
    

Cook

• Have expanded my recipe box to include recipes like zucchini crust pizza and roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Looked to friends and their healthy snack recipes that are delicious.
• Learned that you can never have too much olive oil in the house (I use it on so many things now!).
    

Move

• Although I still struggle with it, I know that everything is going to be okay and life will go on at the next duty station.
• Communicate and plan the move better with my spouse.  It also helps to remind myself that I am not alone
• Have a better idea of how a military move goes down, what is shipped when, how many mover dates need to be scheduled, etc.
• Search for new friends who share the same goals, ideas, and interests that I do.
    

Will Do

Yoga

• Become strong enough to do Handstand and Forearm balance completely unassisted.
• Enroll in a yoga teacher training program.
• Go to a yoga class with my spouse and hope that he enjoys it.
    

Cook

• Add a more healthy variety of dishes I like to cook into my menu.
• Use healthy alternatives to things I love the most like, sugar, butter, and heavily salted items (I am talking about potato chips).
• Try new ingredients and challenge myself to cook them.
    

Move

• Minimize the number of unplanned events that can occur during a move.
• Look for more cost-saving tips to help with a move.
• Be better at planning well in advance for a move.
    

Do you find it hard to celebrate your accomplishments?  What have you done recently that you can be proud of?