Small Victories

Really small victories

Today, I had a small victory. You see, this morning on a beautiful 77-degree day, when I took my shower, I shaved my legs.

I don’t know if it is a relic of my time at an all-girls high school where one could go months without shaving your legs (the benefits of tights), or if I am just that lazy, but I was legitimately proud of myself. Like “Look at you! Taking that extra step today. You go, girl.”

And because victories (big and small) are better when shared, I immediately texted four friends of mine, three of whom all went to the same high school as myself. They all responded with a variety of laughing responses, ranging from a smiley face that is crying to a “hahahaha.” Now I know this is not an epic tale like Camelot or the Odyssey, but ladies, we have all been to those crossroads where we are about to get into a shower and think, “do I take that extra effort? That road less traveled? That path that is hairier?”

And many days, no, no, we do not take that path. It takes time, and you know deep down that somehow, no matter how thorough of a job you think you are doing, you will miss a spot. No matter how often you may have shaved your legs before, you will somehow miss some prominent area on your shin. And it will drive you crazy. And you think, “Is this worth it? I already have to wash my hair, and that’s effort. Do I shave my legs as well?”

Some days, the answer is yes. And you embark on that adventure that involves twisting your body in such a manner to…